This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI+I,9; A I,8; pectoral-fin rays 19–21 (usually 20); lateral scales 33 or 34; transverse scales backwards 11 or 12; median predorsal scales 2 or 3; absence of skin flaps on pores or anterior nasal tube; upper three rays of pectoral fin each with two free filamentous tips, upper branch of fourth ray with short, free tip; mental frenum possess a straight margin and short lateral lobes; cheek and operculum scales absent; pectoral-fin base, abdomen, and prepelvic region with embedded cycloid scales; cheek with a slight fold; pelvic interspinal membrane without a median lobe; tongue tip with a median notch. Colouration: when alive, overall pale greyish with a dense covering of reddish-brown freckles, with a brown spot about one-third of pupil size at uppermost part of gill opening, reddish-brown spotting on fins (Ref. 132436).