This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: presence of a strong pectoral spine; last abdominal vertebrae without ribs; toothless tongue; no maxillary mustache-like process; total gill rakers 27; total vertebrae 25 (10+15); pored lateral line scales 44+3; D VII+I,10; pectoral-fin rays 19; pyloric caeca 12 (Ref. 96185).

Description: Body slender and laterally compressed. Large head is laterally compressed. Eyes large and round, diameter slightly shorter than postorbital length; Large, terminal mouth with oblique gape.