This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: D X,15, fourth dorsal spine longest, 2.8 (2.6) in HL; A III,7; pectoral-fin rays 14; pelvic-fin rays I,5; complete lateral-line with 28 pored scales; scales above lateral line to origin of dorsal fin 1; scales dorsally on head extending to posterior nostrils; maxilla or chin without scales; gill-rakers 5 + 11 (2 + 7 developed); circumpeduncular scales 10; body depth of holotype 34.4% SL, head length 46% SL, orbit diameter 8.6 in SL, dorsal fin slightly notched and continuous, with longest dorsal soft ray (second) 2.4 in HL, first anal-fin spine 4.9 in HL, second anal spine 2.2 in HL; dorsal fin with a black blotch at base of 4th-8th spines, one at base of the last three spines, and two at base of soft portion of fin, the dark pigment extending onto adjacent body; margin of preopercle finely serrate, 33 serrae, and ventral edge without antrorse spines (Ref. 95532).