This species possess the following distinguishing characters: cleithral spine reduced to angular projection lying mediad of opercular spine (width 3-6% SL); interspinous membranes between first three dorsal-fin spines with a black blotch; scalloped-edged scales on trunk; naked prepectoral and interpelvic area; usually scaled breast; scaled belly; pectoral fin with 13 connected rays, with a black blotch, separated from dusky membranes; pectoral length 39-61% SL, longest free ray 27-45% SL; 1 (really 0 or 2) epibranchial gill rakers, 9-13 ceratobranchial gill rakers, short (2-4% SL); 27 vertebrae (Ref. 54796).