This species is distinct and has the following set of characters: anterior nostril placed moderately low on snout, 1/3.5 the distance from upper lip to aggregate distance to anterior margin of eye; copulatory organ of male with a pair of small (outer) pseudoclaspers with single supporter and small hook at anterior rim; small, size not exceeding 5.0 cm SL; 12-13 precaudal vertebrae, 43-45 total vertebrae; D 92-99, V in D 2.4-2.6; branchiostegal rays 6-7; scale patch on cheek only, none on operculum; presence of upper preopercular pore; moderately elongated otolith, its length to height 2.0-2.1, slightly inclined (5°) sulcus, separated colliculi, ostium length to cauda length 2.5-2.8; maxilla expanded posterio-ventrally (Ref. 76869).