This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: D XIII, 10 usually; A 6; pectoral-fin rays usually 16 (rarely 15), are relatively short, not extending beyond level of posterior end of dorsal-fin base in large specimens of >91.3 mm SL, with longest ray length 44.5-66.4% (mean 53.4%) SL; scale rows in longitudinal series 46-51; large, fan-like skin flaps (length greater than half of orbit diameter in large specimens of >91.3 mm SL) on tip of posterior lacrimal spine and posterior margin of preopercular, relative size increasing with growth; head and dorsolateral parts of the body covered with ctenoid scales. Colouration: 6-10 large, black blotches on pectoral-fin membrane; posterior parts of pectoral-fin rays, not associated with fin membrane, with several reddish bands (dark in preserved specimens) (Ref. 95027).

Morphological changes with growth include: number of head spines increases with growth; juvenile and young specimens of less than 9.13 cm SL have a simple nasal spine with a spinous point, while large adults of more than 10.10 cm SL usually have 2 (rarely 3) points,