Dorsal rays VII+I,9; anal rays II,8; pectoral rays 13-14 (rarely 15); tubed lateral-line scales 2-3; median predorsal scales apparently missing in all specimens; total gill rakers 2-3 + 9-12; developed gill rakers 1 + 8-9; gill rakers on ceratobranchial 7 (rarely 6). Body depth 2.4-2.9 in SL and body width 1.8-2.2 in the depth; eye diameter 2.5-3.2 in head length; first dorsal spine 2.4-3.0 in second spine; second dorsal spine 3.8-4.5, spine of second dorsal fin 3.9-5.2, and second anal spine 5.4-6.9, all in head length; pectoral-fin length 4.4-5.1 and pelvic-fin length 4.4-4.8 in SL; caudal-peduncle length 1.3-2.2 in distance between pelvic spine insertion and anal-fin origin. Preopercular edge with 17-25 small serrations along its posterior and ventral edge, largest serrations at angle; preopercular ridge smooth. Tip of light organ on each side of tongue bound by membrane (Ref. 90035).