Pelvic rays usually 11. Underside of head mostly scaled, but a median-ventral naked swath below snout tip; pores of sensory system on head relatively small. Scales densely covered with narrowly to broadly lanceolate spinules in somewhat convergent rows; 7.0-8.5 rows below second dorsal origin; 34-40 lateral line scales over distance equal to predorsal length. First dorsal fin dusky to black. Anterior dermal window of light organ between insertions of pelvic fins. Barbel 1.8-2.0 into orbit diameter, 15-20% of HL; preoral length 23-28%; orb.-preop. 38-44%.