This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: upper jaw is broadly rounded with a large oval-shaped supramaxilla, and maxilla with a flexible lamina posteriorly, extending 1.0-1.2 eye diameters behind posterior margin of orbit; D XI,13-14; dark blotch on posterior angle of jaws, including inner lining of maxilla and adjacent membranes; no ocellus or large dark blotches on dorsal fin; no vomerine teeth (Ref. 85161). Expanded diagnostics: infraorbitals relatively robust, 2nd and 3rd infraorbitals with large sensory canal openings, 3rd infraorbital with no suborbital shelf; A III, 13-14; vertebrae 10+17-18; scale rows in horizontal series about 40-41; gill raker 9+15-16 in adults (except 6+14 in two juveniles, 21.0-23.0 mm SL); posterior angle of jaws and adjacent membranes with a dark blotch that is visible externally; spinous dorsal

fin with no anterior ocellus or dark blotches; pelvic and anal fins are dark, the latter with pale margin (Ref.128653).