This species is distinguished by the following characters: first dorsal fin in the form of dense leathery process, does not bend down to the back, trapezoidal in shape; fish 4.0-8.5 cm TL, usually have seven rows of bony plaques in interorbital region; plaques in periorbital and preopercular rows are numerous; bare space in anus area bounded by semicircle of (6) 7-10 bony plaques; number of plaques on body and head (circumpectoral, postbranchial, supraorbital and postorbital, middle and interorbital rows) on average 32.7; distance from anus to beginning of anal fin on average 22% SL; pectoral fin short, on average 50–51% HL. Colouration: when alive (in Laptev Sea), body almost black, with slightly purple tint; without pronounced spots and stripes; lower side of head is dark, rays of D2, A, and P are dark gray; translucent fin membranes D2 and A are not colored; skin under upper caudal row of plaques light; it is a continuous dark band below it; bases of A and C with light spots; belly silvery; peritoneum (inner surface of abdominal cavity) is not pigmented; lining of oral cavity light, dotted (Ref. 123372).