Snout length > orbit diameter. Has a dark purplish blotch on the rear of the spinous dorsal fin (Ref. 37816). Juveniles with large, forward pointing tentacles above the eyes (Ref. 48635). Space on opercle between opercular spines scaled; penultimate dorsal spine 1.9-2.2 in length of last spine; reaches 195 mm SL (rarely over 170 mm) (Ref 42181).

Description: Characterized by generally mottled brown to reddish color, depending on surroundings; single upper opercular spine; relatively long snout, 2.8-3.2 in head length; presence of prominent skin tassels on lower head; long fimbriate tentacle often present above the eye; depth of body 2.7-3.2 in SL (Ref. 90102).