This species is unique from its congeners in having the following characters: nape broadly covered by scales (12 predorsal scales); with patch of scales on upper part of operculum; in life or when fresh, filamentous part of third dorsal spine entirely pale; anterior tip of sensory papilla row b meeting row 3 anteriorly; sensory papilla rows x^1 and x^2 continuous, not interrupted by row trp (sensory papilla rows trp short, restricted under rows x^1 + x^2); third spine of first dorsal fin elongate, filamentous, distinctly longer than preceding spine; 20 pectoral-fin rays; pelvic fins fused medially, well developed connecting membrane and frenum; length of fifth segmented ray of pelvic fin 85.0-92.4% of preceding ray; a distinct, black vertical bar below eye; distal tip of first dorsal fin with a black blotch, wide, extending posteriorly to middle of third interspinal membrane; sensory papilla row 4 short, well apart from eye (always restricted below row b) (Ref. 84001).