This species is distinguished by the following characters: D XI,9; A III,9; pectoral rays 13-14 (usually 13); complete lateral line, angling sharply downward below soft portion of anal fin to straight peduncular part, 24 pored scales 24 (plus 2 on base of caudal fin, the last greatly enlarged); body moderately deep, depth 2.95-3.15 in SL; head length (HL) 2.6 in SL; head's dorsal profile straight; straight part of posterior margin of preopercle serrate, serrae varying from 14 on 34.5-mm paratype to 21 on the 64.5-mm paratype; dorsal spines progressively longer, last 1.95-2.2 in HL; caudal fin rounded and moderately long 3.0-3.25 in SL; first soft ray of pelvic fins not very long, 3.5-3.8 in SL. Colour in alcohol yellowish brown with dark brown blotches on lower side of body; small dark brown spots along anterior part of lateral line; scattered small dark brown spots on nape; dark brown dash or pair of small dark spots on side of snout before eye; only traces remain of opercular ocellus; posterior margin of preopercle and an adjacent band of opercle pale yellowish; dorsal fin pale yellowish with a dark brown spot on each of first two spinous membranes, the second spot usually smaller; an irregular black spot at rear base of dorsal fin (Ref. 93522).