This species is distinguished by the following characters: D 36-39; A 34-38; pectoral rays 10-11; pelvic rays I,5; caudal-fin rays branched; scales only along the lateral line; lateral line descending gradually from the upper end of the gill opening to the lower edge of caudal peduncle, 54-57 pored scales; body depth 12.6-15.0 in SL; a series of cirri on the side of the lower lip; origin of anal fins below 4th or 5th ray of the dorsal fin; colouration - whitish to pale gray with 11-12 edged, yellow brown spots dorsally on body which appear as short triangular bars when viewed from the side, the side of the body usually has a narrow blackish stripe, radiating from eye are narrow brown bars (Ref. 86689).