This species is distinguished by having its pelvic fins reaching only about halfway from the pelvic-fin base to anal origin, and the second dorsal-fin insertion notably advanced with respect to the anal-fin origin; cephalic lateral-line pores large, the fourth supraorbital canal pores open into a median, well-defined, depressed interorbital pit, divided medially by a slightly raised ridge; width of depressed interorbital region greater than the length, does not extend anteriorly beyond the third supraorbital canal pore, and with a few uniserial cycloid scales immediately anterior to it; the lining of the mouth, gill cavities, and peritoneum black (Ref. 58577).