Characterized by grey brown color with scattered reddish brown to black spots; narrow pale margins on dark grey fins; body scales ctenoid, except cycloid scales dorsally and ventrally; body with auxiliary scales; greatest depth of body 2.8-3.2 in SL; rounded caudal fin; pelvic fins, 1.9-2.3 in head length (Ref. 90102); head length 2.3-2.6 times in SL; interorbital area flat to slightly convex, almost straight dorsal head profile; rounded preopercle, finely serrate, ventral serrae slightly enlarged; straight upper edge of operculum; maxilla reaches past rear edge of eye; 2 or 3 rows of teeth on midlateral part of lower jaw (Ref. 089707).