Description: Body depth 6.1 times in standard length (Ref. 90102). Snout gently sloping (Ref. 2798). Dorsal fin with 7 spines and 8 soft rays; anal fin with 1 spine and 7-8 soft rays; pectoral fin with 16-17 rays; second dorsal spine forming elongate, threadlike filament; pelvic fins united medially; presence of pelvic frenum; caudal fin rounded (Ref. 2798, 90102). Scales on lateral line 25-27; ctenoid scales, except cycloid on breast and pectoral fin base; predorsal scales 0-4, scale absent on remainder of head (Ref. 2798, 90102).

Colouration: Body with numerous small spots; sides with 4-5 slightly enlarged groups of black spots, last spot on caudal peduncle often paired, without a vertical bar at caudal base; median fins spotted; paired fins pale (Ref. 2798). Large males with dusky 1st dorsal, anal and pelvic fins (Ref. 2798).