This species can be distinguished from other congeners in having a broad band of small scale rows on the cheek; with a single small scale below the eye; the first two dorsal-fin spines are short, their length similar to those of other spines of dorsal fin; central gill-raker of lower limb of first gill arch with a single branch; greate body depth 33.5-39.2% SL; several small blotches on the anal-fin base; scale rows below lateral line 10; first upper limb of gill arch with four branches on central gill-raker; head length 32.9-36.0% (mean 34.3%); pre-pectoral-fin length 29.8-32.5% (31.2%); orbit diameter 6.1-7.3% (6.8%); postorbital length 14.9-18.4% (16.8%); small blotches on head (Ref. 127939).