Distinguished by the following characteristics: moderately large Gnatholepis (up to 58 mm SL) with nape midline scales always cycloid and most of predorsal scales cycloid; body pale with 6-8 rows of staggered dark brown spots, mid-lateral spots may be largest; transverse black line on the upper part of the eye joining somewhat oblique to curved black line or bar crossing cheek and ending well behind end of jaw; third to fourth first dorsal fin spines longest, fin with square to rectangular appearance when extended; second dorsal and anal fin rays usually I,11; pectoral rays 16-18, usually 17; lateral scales 26-29, usually 27; 9-11 predorsal scales (usually 10), all cycloid (Ref. 92171).