This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI + I,8; A I,8; pectoral-fin rays 14-15, central 6 rays are branched; body scales reaching to above posterior opercle; longitudinal scale series 46-49; transverse scale rows 9-11; elongated body, its depth at anus 13% SL; head width slightly greater than head depth; short snout, 30-31% HL; eye 25-30% HL; slightly protruding lower jaw; gill opening extending forward nearly to a vertical at posterior edge of orbit; mid-side of lower jaw with 2 pairs of recurved canine teeth; pelvic disk broadly oblong and flat, not reaching genital papilla; each pelvic spine is flattened to a lobe and joined to frenum; truncate caudal fin; color in life translucent except for a narrow red stripe on side of snout and a broad red stripe ventrally on postorbital head and body; when preserved light yellow, except whitish on snout, lips, and fin rays (Ref. 94797).