Diagnosis: Characterized by pale grey body colour with three large dark brown blotches on side; head and body with faint brown scribbling; elongate and filamentous second and third dorsal spines; rounded caudal fin, slightly shorter than head; longitudinal scale series 26-30; head without scales; ctenoid body scales except cycloid on breast, base of pectoral fin and anterior part of abdomen; midline of nape without scales or 1-2 scales just before origin of dorsal fin; depth of body 3.2-3.4 times in standard length (Ref. 2798, 90102).

Description: Outwardly-curved enlarged tooth at each side of lower jaw (Ref. 2798). Dorsal fin with 7 spines and 9 soft rays; anal fin with 1 spine and 9 soft rays; pectoral fin with 18-19 rays (Ref. 2798). Scales on lateral line 26-30; midline of nape naked (Ref. 2798).

Colouration: Pale grey body colour with three large dark brown blotches on side; head and body with faint brown scribbling (Ref. 90102). Margins of median fins often black (Ref. 2798).