Distinguished by the following characteristics: reddish brown color with white dot on each scale giving finely speckled appearance; dark reddish brown maxillary streak; prominent dark red margin on spinous dorsal fin; rear edges of median and pectoral fins with white line; body depth contained 2.7-3.3 times in SL; head length 2.4-2.6 times in SL; slightly convex interorbital area and dorsal head profile; rounded and slightly indented preopercle angle, lower serrae scarcely enlarged; upper edge of operculum almost straight; posterior nostrils about twice the size of anterior nostrils; maxilla reaching or just past vertical at rear edge of eye; 2-4 rows of teeth on midlateral part of lower jaw (Ref. 89707).