Differs from all congeners by the following characters: simple dorsal-fin rays with black pigmentation restricted to the anterior two rays and the proximal half of the third one, fainter grey distally; and about 2/3 of the branched dorsal-fin rays (extending on the membranes in some specimens) with a row of faint black spots. Additional distinguishing characters include presence of bar 1 but faintly marked, posterior edge of last simple dorsal-fin ray with 16-21 serrae, width of bar 5 equal to 1-1 ½ lateral row scales, presence of small and distinct black mark immediately in front of anus, visible in lateral view, head length 32.3-33.5% SL, 47.4-50.0% BL, predorsal length 76.4-78.8% BL; interorbital width 22-25% HL; snout slightly upturned, mouth terminal, lower jaw wide, anteriorly rounded (Ref. 78741).