Distinguished by the following characteristics: small Gnatholepis (up to 35.4 mm SL) lacking scales on side of cheek, opercle and predorsal midline, few cycloid scales present on pectoral fin base and on breast; no distinct flap on end of lower lip (low fold may be present); no distinct canine or enlarged teeth; second dorsal fin rays I,11; anal fin rays I,11-12 (usually I,12); pectoral rays 15-19 (usually 17); lateral scales 26-28, ctenoid; predorsal scales absent from nape midline, scales on side of head reaching to nearly behind eyes; body pale with dusky speckling and mid-lateral row of six dusky blotches and horizontal row of darker spots and short streaks, an irregular cross-shaped dark mark on cheek extending down from eye, pupil-sized brown spot just above mid-point of caudal fin base, males with small black spot on rear part of first dorsal fin (Ref. 92171).