This species is distinguished by the following characters: D XIV,13; A II, 14; pectoral-fin rays 19; lateral-line scales 18-19; circumpeduncular scales 14; total gill rakers on first arch 17-19; body depth 1.68-1.88 in SL; lateral line single and interrupted. Colouration: body olive to dark brown in freshly caught fish; premaxilla dark brown; iris of adult mostly yellow with a narrow bronze eye ring around pupil; pectoral-fin base without a black spot; margin of suborbital and preopercle with distinct serrations; with a prominent notch present between preorbital and suborbital; snout scaly to about level of nostrils or beyond, while no scales on preorbital and suborbital; axillary scale present above base of pelvic fin; a single scale row on preopercle behind the eye and 3 rows of scales present on preopercle below the eye (Ref. 123268).