This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following: anterior oculoscapular canal is only semiclosed with pores ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ? and additional pores and open furrows from interorbital part to pore ?; no posterior oculoscapular canal; the suborbital row c with 5 papillae; 26-28 scales in lateral series; 16 pectoral fin rays; second spine of the first dorsal fin longest, reaching to or behind posterior end of the second dorsal fin in males when folded down; pelvic fin anterior membrane id 1/6 or less of length of spinous ray in midline depth; head length 31.2-32.5% of SL; eye 32.8-35.7% of HL; caudal fin length 21.5-24.0% of SL (Ref. 114858).