This species is distinguished by the following characters: small, slender and round-headed, with small eyes, long pointed caudal fin and 3-7 pectoral-fin rays free from membrane; D2 I,10; A I,10; pectoral-fin rays 19-21; longitudinal scales 22-25; TRB 7-9; the side of head naked, predorsal scales 9-12, extending forward to behind eyes; eyes are small and dorsolateral; interorbital broad and convex; jaws oblique, with small caniniform teeth; no head pores; reduced papillae pattern on head arranged in mostly longitudinal pattern, the papillae often pointed, fleshy and may be on short raised ridges. When alive, the eyes silver, head and body colour pale yellowish-white, with six or seven indistinct dusky bands across nape and sides, and a large oval black spot on posterior part of first dorsal fin (Ref. 95099).