This species is characterized by the following: D VI + I, 24; A I, 23; pectoral rays 22; cycloid scales, nonimbricate except posteriorly, about 152 oblique rows in longitudinal series; median predorsal scales absent; gill rakers 6 + 17; body depth 5.95 in SL; barbel on chin absent, only a low median fleshy ridge; a fringe of slender elongate papillae along side of lower jaw; first dorsal fin low, with curved spines, only the last with free tip; fifth dorsal spine longest, 1.85 in HL; caudal fin is slightly emarginate with rounded lobes, shorter than head, 4.9 in SL; pelvic fins short, 6.2 in SL; alcohol preserved specimens are pale tan with no dark markings except a faint dusky zone below nostrils between upper jaw and orbit; color of live individuals with two broad dusky stripes separated by a narrow pale midlateral stripe; lower dusky stripe expanding into a broad band in caudal fin, with a blackish spot at base; distal part of caudal fin yellow (Ref. 75638).