Description: Head flattened, depressed; mouth large, lower jaw projecting (Ref. 4967, 52193). Dorsal fin with 7 spines and 9 soft rays; anal fin with 1 spine and 8 soft rays; pelvic fins jointed but attached to the body only from their anterior part; caudal fin bluntly or sharply pointed (Ref. 48660, 52193). Scales in lateral series 29-33; nape with visible scales; 15-19 predorsal scales (Ref. 52193).

Colouration: Translucent brown with dark brown or black spots and blotches along back and forming a series along midbody; with 5 to 6 dark and rounded spots on its sides; some specimens living on dark substrates can be very dark also, some living on very light substrates show an ivory coloration; dorsal fins are light with small brownish spots forming longitudinal stripes; pelvic fins are grey; pectorals and caudal are grey and often hyaline (Ref. 2798, 48660, 52193).