This species is distinguished by the following characters: cephalic sensory-canal pore system pattern 2 (lacking only H [IT] pore); some pectoral-fin rays branched (11-15th rays); dorsal/anal fin-ray formula 9/8; absence of the 5th pelvic-fin ray; absence of the following - prominent distinct dark spots on pectoral-fin base, caudal-peduncle spot over preural centrum, postocular spots, and the strong and dark spots on caudal fin; anal-fin base with 2 dark spots; first dorsal fin clear with some light orange on anterodorsal portion and dark distal margin; second dorsal fin with red-orange spots on basal half, distal margin black and yellow; the body with bright red markings (Ref. 104430).