This species is distinguished by the following characters: second dorsal-fin rays I, 12; A rays I,11; predorsal area broadly scaled to just behind vertical through posterior edge of preopercle, a narrow median wedge of scales extending further forward almost to pore D; posterior naris no flap on anterior rim; head and body pale with brown reticulate mottling, forming about 11 X-shaped markings along the sides, between pectoral and caudal-fin bases (Ref. 59014).