This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: D VI,13 segmented rays; A 13 segmented rays 13; pectoral-fin rays 14; head large 30-31% SL; pectoral fin long, reaching past end of pelvic fins, its length 18-21% SL; caudal fin long 21-24% SL; snout short 5-9% head length; slightly protruding lower jaw, posterior end of jaws reaching posteriorly to or beyond vertical at anterior oculoscapular canal pore F?; tip of upper lip with a small anteriorly directed skin projection; reduced longitudinal pattern of sensory-papillae rows; rounded caudal fin; with 6 large black blotches along lateral midline of body; spinous portion of dorsal fin with a cospicuous black curved mark along entire edge (Ref. 93255).