This deep-bodied species is distinguished by the following characters: strongly convex dorsal head profile and pointed snout; A II + 7; pectoral-fin rays 14-15, pectoral length 23.5-26.5% SL; gill rakers 14-16; pseudobranchial filaments 18-23; first anal-fin pterygiophore moderately long and straight, with broad, hollow tip; vomer triangular with V-shaped tooth patch, anteriorly with reduced dentition, and one large tooth on either side posteriorly; palatines are narrow, with 1-2 rows of granular teeth; ectopterygoid is short, wide, with 3-6 rows of granular teeth; orbital diameter 11.0-12.8% SL; a small spike on preopercular lobe or smooth; otolith compact (OL:OH = 1.55-1.65), with intensely crenulated rims, particularly posteriorly (Ref. 116586).