This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: D1 I (a small isolated spine anteriorly); D2 13-14, usually 13: A 13; pectoral-fin rays 19-21, usually 20; gill rakers 1-2 + 3-8 = 4-10 (number tends to decrease with growth); postorbital length 51.6-63.6% HL; snout, area anteroventral to eye, interorbit, and occipital region scaled; upper iris lappet usually simple and triangular; with a finger-like interopercular flap; upper jaw without large caniniform teeth; no teeth on dorsal surface of anterolateral edge of upper jaw; palatine teeth in two rows; vomerine teeth usually in one row; caudal fin with a yellow marking on midline when fresh (Ref. 98812).