This species is distinguished by the following characters: 17-18 pectoral rays; 36-38 (modally 37) lateral scale rows; upper jaw length 10.3-10.7% SL; anterior extent of predorsal squamation reaching anteriorly to vertical through posterior margin of preopercle, with a few scales sometimes extending slightly beyond this point; with 2-3 dark blotches on each element of first dorsal fin giving appearance of 2-3 longitudinal stripes across fin; lower body with 2 rows of dark spots, spots in 2 rows directly above one another, beginning immediately behind pectoral fin base and terminating just anterior to dark blotch at base of caudal fin; upper and lower spots more distinctly separate from one another anteriorly, becoming closer to one another and loosely connected posteriorly; arrangement of spots appearing as 6 to 7 sets of vertically paired spots often forming '=' shaped markings along ventral portion of trunk (Ref. 85559).