Height first dorsal about equal to head length. Underside of head mostly scaled, but broad naked swath below snout; open pores of sensory system on lower jaws and ventral margin of suborbital region fairly prominent. Body scales densely covered with lanceolate spinules in somewhat convergent rows; 7.5-8.5 rows below second dorsal origin; 37-40 lateral-line scales over distance equal to predorsal length. Teeth in broad tapered bands in both jaws, outer premaxillary series noticeably enlarged. Trunk encircled by a broad darkish band, abdomen darker. First dorsal fin blackish. Anterior dermal window of light organ between insertions of pelvic fins. Barbel 2.0 or more into orbit diameter; preoral length 25-28% HL; orb.-preop. 38-40% HL.