Diagnosis: Dorsal rays VII,9; anal rays 11,14-19 (usually 16-18); pectoral rays 14 (rarely 13 or 15). Lateral-line scales 25 + 3-5. Median predorsal scales 5-6 (usually 6). Gill rakers 5-7 + 15-18 (total, 20-24). Body depth 2.3-2.85 in SL, and body width 2.3-2.7 in the depth; eye diameter 2.7-3.1 in head length; first dorsal spine 2.0-2.9 in second spine; second dorsal spine 2.1-2.6, and third dorsal spine 2.2-2.7 in head length; spine of second dorsal fin 2.3-2.6, and second anal spine 2.5-2.9 in head length; pelvic-fin length 4.3-5.3, and caudal-peduncle length 4.9-5.9 in SL. Distance from insertion of pelvic spine to anal-fin origin 4.2-5.5 in SL. Posterior preopercular edge fully serrate or nearly so; serrae on upper part usually minute, rarely absent; ventral preopercular edge serrate on posterior two-thirds. Scaly sheath along anal-fin base well developed (Ref. 54391).

Description: Large dark spot on the upper corner of the operculum is distinctive (Ref. 37816, 48635). A marginally smaller one on caudal base is present. However, the latter can be turned on or off at will. Usually a broad angular band below the eye (Ref. 48635).