This species is distinguished by the following characters: first dorsal fin, immersed in thick skin, is triangular (acute-angled in the posterior part), it retains its mobility (it can be pressed against the body); bony plaques on the head (individuals 4.0-8.5 cm SL) are small, arranged at intervals, form no more than five longitudinal rows in the interorbital region, while are more often single-row on the cheeks; anus area with only four large plaques; number of plaques on the body and head (circumpectoral, postbranchial, postorbital, median, supraorbital, and interorbital rows) 21-33 (average 26.7); distance from anus to the beginning of anal fin is 15-19% SL on average; pectoral fin long, on average, 53-66% HL. Colouration: when alive, head and upper side of body pigmented, with the dark, indistinct, somewhat elongated spots are located mainly near the bone plaques; belly and disk are light; chin dark; some specimens have scattered small spots on

the belly, front of the anus in the form of dashes and in the form of very small dots behind it; caudal peduncle with a dark stripe; D2 rays with dark elongated small spots; caudal rays with vague spots; peritoneum light (Ref. 123372).