A broad dark band across soft portion of anal and pelvic fins. Maxilla extending posterior to a vertical at rear edge of orbit. Interorbital ridges low, flaring laterally to base of tympanic spines; no median interorbital ridge. Occipital pit shallow, its anterior edge inwardly curved. A small but deep suborbital pit. Suborbital ridge with 4 retrorse spines, the first on lacrimal; posterior points divided into 2 points (except in young). Supraocular tentacle varying from smaller than spine to as long as orbit diameter. Upper opercular spine usually double (may be divided into 3 or 4 points); lower opercular spine usually single (rarely double) (Ref. 42181).

Description: Characterized by mottled grey to brownish red color; interorbital width 5.7-6.5 in head length; depth of body 2.7-3.2 in SL (Ref. 90102).