This species is distinguished by the following characters: complete cephalic sensory-canal pore system (pattern 1); the fifth pelvic-fin ray 10-40% (usually 20%) of fourth ray; some pectoral-fin rays are branched; dorsal/anal-fin formula 9/8; presence of a prominent occipital spot; dorsal midline of body with a series of small dark spots along the dorsal-fin bases; dark bars present crossing the nape in advance of dorsal fin; caudal-peduncle depth 13.4-14.9% SL (Ref. 107299).