Distinguished by the following characteristics: adults dark brown without distinct markings; juveniles dark brown with several white spots and occasionally paler caudal fin; depth of body contained 2.3 times in SL; head length 2.2-2.3 times in SL; convex interorbital area; angular preopercle, enlarged serrae at angle and with or without few small serrae on lower edge; smooth interopercle and subopercle; posterior nostrils larger than anterior nostrils and shaped like an inverted tear drop; maxilla reaches vertical at rear edge of eye (Ref. 89707).