This species is characterized by the following: D VI-I,15; A I,15 or 16 (rarely 15); pectoral rays 17 or 18; scales in longitudinal series 55-58; absence of scales on head, or predorsal or prepectoral areas; body elongate, with depth 6.4-7.25 in SL; orbit diameter 3.55-4.0 in HL; fourth dorsal spine longest, 3.85-4.3 in SL; caudal fin lanceolate and terminally bilobed, with the sixth and tenth branched rays longest, 2.3-2.5 in SL; pectoral fins extending to above or slightly beyond anus, 4.25-4.3 in SL; pelvic fins reaching beyond anus, 4.15-4.35 in SL; pelvic fins reaching beyond anus, 4.15-4.35 in SL; color in alcohol pale yellowish, the edges of scales brown; upper side of body with narrow dark bars from darker brown scale edges; a series of dark spots dorsally on body from dark brown scale edges; cheek and opercle light gray-brown with pale spots, some nearly as large as pupil; a blackish streak in groove above upper lip; median fins spotted (Ref. 74955).