Can be distinguished by the following combination of features: elongated caudal filament reaching up to 45% TL in reproductive males; 6-11 wide, evenly spaced saddles of pigment over dorsum connecting to lateral bands; mesocoracoid bone present; large eye, 15.5-19.2% HL; short abdomen, usually with 12 pre-caudal vertebrae (range 11-13); poorly ossified third and fourth (outermost) branchiostegal rays, much enlarged distally, covering distal portions of the first two branchiostegal rays externally and contributing to bulbous appearance of opercular region (Ref. 81045).