Characterized by red-brown head; body mottled pale-brown color; 5-6 irregular dark brown bars on body; caudal fin dark brown with pale speckling; body scales ctenoid except cycloid anterodorsally above lateral line, on nape, thorax and abdomen; body with auxiliary scales only anterodorsally behind zone of small cycloid scales; greatest depth of body; 2.7-3.2 in SL; rounded caudal fin; pelvic fins, 1.9-2.4 in head length (Ref. 90102); body depth contained 2.7-3.2 times in SL; head length 2.3-2.6 times in SL; head length 2.3-2.6 times in SL; flat to slightly convex interorbital area, dorsal head profile convex; snout length 4.0-5.0 in HL; angular preopercle, with enlarged serrae at angle; straight upper edge of operculum, almost horizontal; posterior and anterior nostril subequal in size; maxilla reaches to or past vertical at rear edge of eye, ventral edge with slight step at distal expansion; 2-3 rows of teeth on midlateral part of lower jaw; pyloric caeca (Ref. 89707).