This species has the following characters: D XII, 10; caudal fin rays 10 + 12 + 10; pectoral-fin rays ii, 14-15; lateral line scales 30-31 (rarely 31); scales above lateral line 2-3; scales below lateral line 8½-10½; predorsal scales 25-27; total gill rakers 13-17; upper jaw have prominent anterior canines of similar size; dental ridge is low, 2 consecutive rows of shorter canines, the first with 4 teeth slightly longer than 4-5 in second row; posterior end of upper jaw with moderately large canine; lower jaw with first prominent anterior canine ca ½ - 2/3 size of second, directed anterodorsally and slightly laterally; dental ridge low with 2 series of smaller caniniform teeth laterally, the first with about 4 teeth slightly longer than 6-7 in second; similar sized lateral teeth in both jaws; shallow body, 21.3-25.5% SL; snout, 7.6-10.4% SL; short head, 31.8-34.2% SL; first soft ray of pelvic fin not prolonged as filament, at most reaching just beyond anus (Ref. 75973).