This species is distinguished by the following set of characteristics: lower jaw terminating in a distinct forwardly projecting horizontal plate with strong, spine-like processes directed forward from the plate’s corners; silvery grey body with numerous minute black spots and traces of broad darker crossbars; black colour at base of anterior dorsal fin spines and distal parts of dorsal fins; adipose fin tiny with numerous black spots; caudal fin black; 3.5 scales above lateral line; 3 rows of cheek scales; very large head, 34.3-40·1% SL; large eye, 29·8-40·8% HL; long pectoral fin, extending to beyond dorsal fin base, 21.7-26.2% SL; body silvery grey with minute black dots and traces of broad darker crossbars; operculum dark dorsally, silvery ventrally (Ref. 95053).