This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: D 12-15 (modally 13); A 10-13 (11, rarely 10); upper end of gill opening level with base of 12th to 14th pectoral-fin ray in lateral view; gill rakers on first to third arches 5-8 (6, rarely 5), 6-8 (6), and 6-8 (7), respectively; head sensory canal pores relatively developed, including usually 2 nasal, 2 lacrimal, and 2 postorbital pores; disc region A without papillae at center; body black with white stripes (Ref. 129315).