This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VII+I,9; A II,7-8; pectoral rays 12; tubed lateral-line scales 4-8; median predorsal scales 4-5; total gill rakers 3-4 + 9-10; developed gill rakers 1 + 6-9; gill rakers on ceratobranchial 6-7; body depth 2.25-2.6 in SL and body width 2.4-3.1 in the depth; eye diameter 2.65-3.3 in head length (HL); first dorsal spine very small 10.25-14.5 in second spine (two specimens); second dorsal spine 4.7-5.1, spine of second dorsal fin 4.1-5.2, and second anal spine 4.6-5.1, all in HL; pectoral-fin length 4.2-4.5 and pelvic-fin length 4.8-5.0 in SL; caudal-peduncle length 1.0-1.4 in distance between pelvic spine insertion and anal-fin origin; preopercular edge weakly serrate around angle, with 5-14 (usually 6-8) minute serrations; preopercular ridge smooth; tip of light organ on each side of tongue bound by membrane (Ref. 90035).