Small but conspicuous triangular white spots on the corners of the brown hexagons of the vertical fins and all of the body except the belly; four to six dark blotches along the dorsal fin base (Ref. 37816); further characterized by having ctenoid scales on body except cycloid anterodorsally above lateral line, on thorax and abdomen; body with auxiliary scales; greatest depth of body 2.8-3.5 in SL; rounded caudal fin; pelvic fins 1.8-2.1 in head length (Ref. 90102); HL 2.5-2.6 times in SL; flat interorbital area, convex dorsal head profile; rounded preopercle, slightly enlarged ventral serrae; upper edge of operculum convex; posterior and anterior nostrils subequal; maxilla reaches to or past vertical at rear edge of eye; smoothly curved ventral edge of maxilla; 3-5 rows of teeth on midlateral part of lower jaw (Ref. 89707).