This species is characterized by the following: D X,19 (rarely 20); about 21-31 oblique scale rows in longitudinal series on body; no scales anterolaterally forward of verticals from 6th to 9th segmented dorsal-fin rays; a broad dark submarginal stripe on spinous dorsal fin; spine tips with pale fleshy tabs; 1-3 vomerine teeth (Ref. 76827). further diagnosed by the rigid upper jaw lacking flexible lamina posteriorly, extending 0.4-0.6 eye diameters behind posterior margin of orbit; infraorbitals are moderately robust, the second and third infraorbitals with large sensory canal openings, third infraorbital with very slight suborbital shelf; A II,17-18; vertebrae 10+22, rarely 23; lateral line terminus below segmented dorsal-fin rays 13-17; no scales forward of verticals from segmented dorsal-fin rays 6-9; vomerine teeth 1-3; the tips of dorsal-fin spines with pale fleshy tabs; dorsal fin with submarginal dark stripe and the anal fin with a narrow, dark, submarginal stripe; belly with scattered white scattered white spots (Ref. 128653).