With tail 45-48% and head 13-16% of TL; dorsal fin arising well behind pectoral tips; pectoral fins fan-shaped, not elongate; snout short, about 3.4 in jaw; jaws elongate, about 2.3-3 in head; nostrils in short tubes in upper lip and closely associated; cirri of labial fringe unbranched, short and stubby; flesh above and behind eye laterally elevated as a ridge; dorsal head profile depressed and constricted behind eyes, the flesh forming a lateral eave behind dorsal margin of eye; head pores and lateral-line pores apparent; free sensory neuromasts visible as rows of white spots on nape; teeth conical; coloration in life variable; fins pale except dorsal notably dark basally with a pale margin; lateral-line pores in distinct dark spots; numerous dark spots above lateral line on body (Ref. 42180).