The species has a robust body; very small, overlapping scales on head and body; thick skin; posteriorly placed, enlarged kidneys; 4 lateral lines; dorsal fin origin above tip of pectorals; base of pelvic fin below hind margin of opercle; head broad with a blunt snout; strong opercular spine covered by thick skin; upper jaw ends just behind eye; teeth granular, one median basibranchial tooth patch; anterior gill arch with 10-11 long rakers; number of rays in dorsal fin 80-89, caudal fin 8, anal fin 64-72, pelvic fin 2, pectoral fin 24-25; number of vertebrae 16-17 + 36 (in total 52-53).