Eel-like, moderate to shallow body depth; maxilla free and movable; cardiform teeth present; branchiostegal membranes partly or completely united; swim bladder with thin terminal membrane or bulb; lacking enlarged dentary or premaxillary fangs, dentary diastema, pelvic fins, and swim bladder rocker bone (Ref. 34024). Pectoral fins small, less than 29% head length; body thick, robust and highly pigmented (Ref. 34024).

Description: Characterized by reddish brown color, finely speckled with dark brown dots; pectoral fins about one-third head length; depth of body about 13 in TL; anal rays anterior to origin of dorsal fin; head length about 8-10 in TL; jaw teeth in bands; vomer with short conical teeth, protruding; narrow band of stout conical teeth in palatines (Ref. 90102).