This species possess the following distinguishing characters: cleithral spine width 10% SL, ventral to the opercular spine; first dorsal-fin with black blotch between spine membranes 3-6 and with 5 bucklers; naked prepectoral, interpelvic area and nape; scaled breast and belly; pectoral fin with 13 connected rays, dusky with distinct black area over rays and membranes of rays 9-11 with black pigment, remainder of fin pale including distal margin; pectoral-fin length 39% SL, free ray 39% SL; 1 epibranchial gill rakers, 9 ceratobranchial gill rakers, short 3% SL; 27 vertebrae; head and body with few pale spots (Ref. 54796).