This species is distinguished from its congeners by the being the only member species in the genus of having scales restricted to the rear half of the body and fused pelvic fins with branched inner rays. Other distinguishing characters are the following: D XIX,5; A VII,5; caudal-fin broadly connected by a membrane to last dorsal and anal rays; 3 cephalic sensory pores on dentary. Colouration: when alive generally brown with numerous small white spots on cheek, opercle, body and dorsal and anal fins; from tip of lower jaw to first dorsal spine with white to orange median dorsal stripe; the posterior edge of dorsal, anal and caudal fins with broad, orange submarginal zone and narrow white outer margin (Ref. 123364).