Description: Characterized by an elongate laterally compressed body; pale brownish color; with about five irregular dark brown bars (enclosing white spots/blotches) on side; basal part of dorsal fin with four large dark brown blotches; head depth 3.3-5.7 in SL; two spines on each operculum and suboperculum; gill opening restricted to upper one-half to two-thirds of base of pectoral fin; band of small cardiform teeth in jaws; nearly equal sizes of orbital tentacles; pectoral axil without pore (Ref. 90102).