This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: D 5-6; pectoral-fin rays 11-13; principal bucklers are small and flattened; interspaces fully covered by small bucklers and spinules; posterior portion of skull with 5-6 irregular rows of medium-sized bucklers; rostrum pointed, usually directed more upward than forward; subopercular buckler is weak, strongly reduced or bearing few spinelets at its tip; ventral surface (including belly and thoracic region)

covered with minute prickles between mid-sized bucklers; orbit large, 11.6%-13.6% SL; interorbital space narrow, 4.7%-7.5% SL; rostrum short, 6.7%-10.6% SL; anal fin not reaching caudal-fin base when appressed (Ref. 123774).