This species can be distinguished by the following set of characters: D1 VII, without notably elongate spines, spines 2-4 nearly equal; D2 I,8; A I,6-7; P 17-18; pelvic fins well separated with 5th ray ca. 1/4-1/5 length of 4th, rays 1-4 unbranched or slightly branched near end of ray with tips of branches joining as flattened fleshy tips, 4th pelvic-fin ray very long, extending to base of anal-fin rays 3 or 4; 23-34 lateral scales on the side of the body extending anteriorly to beneath pectoral fin; 2 modified basicaudal scales present; single anal-fin pterygiophore inserted anterior to haemal arch; D1 fin with scattered prominent black spots bordered with yellow in life, two prominent small black spots on first dorsal-fin spine (Ref. 113825).