Interorbital area and snout scaled; small spines at midline between tympanic spines frequently present; interorbital spines present; extra spines usually present on upper rear margin of eye after supraocular spine; dorsal spine, usually non longer than orbit diameter; body often covered with small skin flaps (Ref. 10482). Distinguished from other species of Scorpaenodes by having suborbital ridge with more than 5 spinous points, usually with 10 or more in adults (Ref. 10482).

Description: Characterized by having generally mottled reddish to brown color; anterior body frequently has large white area; caudal peduncle with pale bar; presence of coronal spines; depth of body 2.7-3.0 in SL (Ref. 90102).