This species is distinguished by the following characters: no large, scaly, tubercular swelling anterior to the anus; pelvic-fin rays 11-12; without enlarged scutes at snout tip; absence of open pores along the cephalic sensory canals; mandibular rami scaled posteriorly; naked branchiostegal membranes; body scales covered with long, moderately erect, needle-like spinules densely scattered over exposed portion; D1 II,9-10; pectoral-fin rays i21-i26; inner gill rakers on first arch 9-11; upper-jaw length 30-35% HL. Colouration: first dorsal fin uniformly black and oral cavity blackish (Ref. 123356).