A drab species, usually brownish grey to reddish brown with a pattern of fine lines across the caudal fin. Eyes well elevated compared to the reef stonefish S. verrucosa (Ref. 48635).

Description: Characterized by having dorsal spines almost equal in length, longest are second to fourth; large and fleshy pectoral fin; broad and depressed head; relatively small and widely separated eyes; dorsal mouth opening, vertical gape; fringe of cirri on lips; depth of body about 2.5 in SL (Ref. 90102).