This species is characterized by the following: with only three simple dorsal-fin rays; two halves of the air bladder capsules separated and connected by a manubrium; a well-formed, unencapsulated, slightly spherical free posterior chamber is beneath the manubrium, Male pectoral fin slanted upwards with the first branched fin-ray rigid, about twice the thickness of the second, branched once and without a membrane between them except near tip; the following branched ray also branched only once; also with a thick conspicuous unculiferous pad present on the dorsal surface of all simple and branched pectoral-fin rays, small conical tubercles present on the dorsal surfaces of rays and pads, most prominent on second and third branched rays; the branched ray 2-3 longest; with a bluntly rounded suborbital flap with small tubercles on its edges; no such modifications of the pectoral fin in females; complete lateral line; without a rhomboid dark brown mark encircling a pale oval area on the nape; flank with 13-17 irregular blotches or bars; preoperculo-mandibular pores 7; caudal-fin lobes equal; snout pointed; presence of a median notch in the lower jaw; absence of pigments on all fin rays, except on pectoral fins (Ref. 132199).