This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VII-VIII+I,10-12; A I,9-11; pectoral-fin rays 13-15, scales in longitudinal series 35-41; predorsal scales 15-18; no head pores; cycloid predorsal scales, increasing in size anteriorly, reaching forward to above posterior half of eye, the anteriormost 1-3 scales with reverse scale orientation featuring exposed anterior margin; dorsalmost two-thirds of operculum covered with large cycloid scales, in 4-5 rows; naked cheek or with few embedded cycloid scales posterior to eye; the gill opening extends anteroventrally to almost reach the posterior preopercular margin; colour pattern with stripes on lower and middle cheek, short oblique band posterior to dorsoposterior corner of eye, and series of 10-14 vertical brown bars (Ref. 116997).