This species is distinguished by the following characters: D LVIII-LXII,8-10; A II,45-47; 70-74 total vertebrae; dorsal profile of head almost straight; no pelvic fin; 3rd lateral line extends with zigzag from pectoral fin to caudal-fin base; absence of blackish-brown blotches on the head; cheek with a single white oblique band; caudal fin region with many small pale brown rounded spots (Ref. 93116).