This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI+I,8; A II,8; pectoral rays 11-13, unbranched and compressed distally; tubed lateral-line and median predorsal scales unknown (most scales missing on all specimens); total gill rakers 2-4 + 9-11 = 11-14; developed gill rakers 0 + 6-9; gill rakers on ceratobranchial 6-7; body relatively slender, its depth 3.7-4.1 in SL, its body width 1.6-2.0 in the depth; eye diameter 3.7-4.2 in HL; first dorsal spine 1.2-1.3 in second spine; second dorsal spine 2.8-2.9, spine of second dorsal fin 5.0-5.5, and second anal spine 5.1-6.7, all in head length; pectoral-fin length 5.4-6.1 and pelvic-fin length 5.2-6.4 in SL; caudal-peduncle length 1.1-1.5 in distance between pelvic spine insertion and anal-fin origin; preopercular edge and ridge smooth, the ventral edge weakly ossified and usually slightly crenulate; palatines with 2-3 series of small teeth; scales ctenoid, large, thin and deciduous; tubed lateral-line scales with vertical series of papillae; tip of light organ on each side of tongue bound by membrane (Ref. 90035).