This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: cephalic sensory-pore system pattern group I (complete); dorsal/anal fin-ray formula 8/8; absence of the fifth pelvic-fin ray; 5 internal bands between anal-fin origin and caudal-fin base; pale colour of pectoral fin base and the spinous dorsal fin; presence of a dark rectangular caudal-peduncle spot above midline; no broad dark and light bands; posterior edge of opercular membrane with a concentration of dark chromatophores; in life red-orange spots along bases of both dorsal fins, and belly with distinct red spots (Ref. 93270). Dorsal to anal fin-ray formula 8/8.