This species is distinguished by the following characters: interorbital trench absent, merely a slight depression between and behind eyes; incomplete squamation on predorsal, a naked triangular area behind eyes and interorbital area, and a naked bar extending forward from origin of first dorsal fin; in specimens below 20 mm SL midline usually naked, anterior extent of predorsal scales on sides of nape increasing with increasing size; no opercular scales; no scales on cheek; D2 modally I,11; A modally I,9; pectoral rays usually 19-20; reduced transverse pattern of sensory papillae on cheek; pelvic fins connected to form a plate, no interspinal membrane, fifth ray branched; each scale pocket with concentrated melanophores along margin forming a diamond-shaped mark; preserved specimens with vertical bands on head, often none on body; in life, 1-2 very faint vertical bars under first dorsal fin; mouth oblique, forming an angle of 35°-45° with body axis (Ref. 85603).