This species can be distinguished by the following set of characters: D1 VII, no elongate filamentous spines present; D2 I, 11; A I, 11; P 20; V I, 5, separate, rays 1-4 branched between 2 and 4 times, 5th pelvic-fin ray long and unbranched, three-quarters length of 4th pelvic-fin ray, no fleshy tips present on pelvic-fin rays; body scaled with 47-53 ctenoid scales, modified basicaudal scales present; head and preopercle canals and pores absent; a transverse sensory papillae pattern with row 5s/5i connected, interorbital papillae pc' and pe' present; two anal-fin pterygiophores inserted anterior to haemal arch (Ref. 113825).