This species is distinguished by the following characters: D XIII,13-15 (usually 14); A II,13-15 (usually 14); pectoral-fin rays 17-19 (usually 18); tubed lateral-line scales 16-19 (usually 18); total gill rakers on first arch 21-24 (usually 23); body depth 1.9-2.1 in SL; usually scales are absent on preorbital and suborbital, except occasional scales on posterior part of suborbital; general colour in life charcoal gray with thick blackish scale margins producing a network pattern and a vertically ovate whitish spot centered on each scale, forming rows that correspond with horizontal scale rows; pectoral-fin base with a large black spot , invading outer part of axil; inner surface of pectoral-fin axil grayish; median fins are charcoal gray to blackish; dorsal scleral surface of eye bright blue. This species differs from other members of the philippinus species complex by having a distinctive color pattern, with horizontal rows of whitish spots on the side of the body made up of the pale centers of the distinctly outlined scales and it is always lacking scales on the preorbital and most of the suborbital (occasional specimens, however, possess 1-3 scales on the posteriormost section of the suborbital) (Ref. 114927).