This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following: smallest in size; head length greater than the depth of body; small terminal mouth bearing nearly equal jaws and fleshy lips; united anal-caudal fin; pectoral spines completely separated from rays with 9-10 antrorse serrae along inner edge and 13-15 in outer edge; body colour blackish with two indistinct lateral bands on flank, with the ventral surface lighter (Ref. 94657).