This species is distinguished by the following: D VI + I,9-10 (usually 9), with first spine of first and second dorsal fins thickened, rigid, and pungent, all spines without filamentous tips, third spine longest; A I,8-10; pectoral-fin rays 15-17; branched caudal-fin rays 12-13 (usually 12); caudal fin rounded, shorter than HL; lateral scales 24-25; transverse scales 8; predorsal scales 7-8; ctenoid scales on body and nape, except embedded cycloid scales on prepelvic area and pectoral-fin base; preopercle with 3 small weakly ctenoid scales; rear corner, opercle with large weakly ctenoid scales confined to upper half; ‘mixed’ pattern of cephalic sensory papillae with two primary longitudinal rows and several transverse rows. Colouration: adult male when alive generally semi-translucent greyish with variable-sized brown and white spots and markings on head and body; five large tannish saddles along nape and upper back; a mid-lateral row of 6 dark-brown spots along the middle of side; blackish spots and bands on dorsal and caudal fins; anal fin brownish; pelvic fin white with a black median stripe; female similar to male, but lacking dark markings on fins (Ref. 130975).