Covered with large dark purplish-brown spots arranged in 2-3 irregular series on a reddish-tan background. Closely resembles Scuticaria tigrina which has dark spots of differing sizes.

Description: Characterized by body depth at gill opening 20-25 in TL; rudimentary fins; anus at or slightly posterior to middle of body; preanal length 1.9-2.0 in TL; gill opening slightly above middle of side; relatively short jaws; two rows of jaw teeth, long and needle-like inner teeth; median row at front of upper jaw with three longest teeth (Ref. 90102).