Snout long, 43-49% of HL, anterolateral margin not completely supported by bone; characteristic scales overlap anterolaterally onto ventral snout surface; orbit diameter 22-25% of HL, 1.8-2.2 times into snout length; upper jaw 24-27% of HL; chin barbel short, about equal to length of first gill slit; subopercle lacking a prolonged narrow flap. Light organ extends from behind isthmus to front of anus. Underside of head naked; nasal fossa naked; body scales thin, spinules short, fine, aligned in close parallel rows. Conspicuous body markings consisting of blotches, spots and occasional ring on dorsum, becoming a narrow dorsal stripe to end of tail; belly between periproct and pelvic fin bases lacking melanophores; maxillary ramus immaculate (rarely with 2-3 melanophores). First dorsal fin with membrane between second spinous ray and first segmented ray black; anterior end of anal fin blackish distally. Pyloric caeca 8-11, usually 10-11; P i14-i15, rarely i16.