This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: rostrum short (length 6.5%-10.0% SL), pointed and needle-like, with a small base and curved slightly and directed anterodorsally; body covered with small, pointed spiny bucklers; posterior portion of

skull with 3 irregular rows of small bucklers (those in lateral rows are much larger than those in median row); broad naked areas on shoulder and gill cavity; ventral surface of disk is densely covered by small pointed bucklers, slightly larger and denser on breast than belly; the subopercular buckler with well-developed spines, with anteriormost directed forward, lateral spine directed outward, and 1-2 posteriormost spines directed backward; orbit is large, its diameter 13.8%-15.5% SL; both post-subopercular bucklers with one or more sharp spines; interorbital space narrow (3.7%-5.5% SL); OD/RL = 1.4-2.4; OD/IO = 2.7-4.2; anal fin reaching or beyond the caudal-fin base when appressed; D 5-6; pectoral-fin rays 11-13 (Ref. 123774).