This species is distinguished from other seahorse species by the following set set of characters: high number of tail rings (34-37); pectoral-fin rays 15; dorsal-fin rays 16, with dorsal fins covering 2 trunk rings and 2 tail rings; a rounded nuchal plate without a raised coronet; snout length approximately 30% in HL; an eye spine; 2 cheek spines; tail length approximately 60% in SL; body colour plain dark brown; males with fully enclosed brood pouch with a small opening for the incubation of eggs (Ref. 116585).