This species belonging to the S. tubulata group (with dark-dotted light organ) is distinguished by the following characters: D1 VII,9; pectoral-fin rays usually 12; tubed lateral-line scales 1-4 (usually 1-2); developed gill rakers of first gill arch 1 + 8-9; small serrae around angle of preopercle edge 8-15; light organ barely extending onto caudal peduncle, the extent 5.2–23.1 in caudal peduncle length. Colour in life generally translucent pale pinkish to reddish orange with a dense covering of variable-sized orange spots on head and anterior two-thirds of body; a prominent 'cat’s eye' black bar through eye, covering more than pupil at center, and flanked by white crescents covering remaining iris (Ref. .120588).