This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: dorsal rays VI + I,9-10, absence of elongate spines and posteriormost rays of second dorsal fin usually not reaching caudal-fin base when adpressed; anal rays I,9-10, longest rays of both male and female in middle of fin; pectoral rays 15-16 (mean 15.5); absence of pelvic frenum; absence of cephalic sensory canals and associated pores; total longitudinal scales 17-25 (mean 22.1), median row interrupted below first dorsal fin by scaleless gap; main mass of body scales extending forward from caudal-fin base to below dorsal-fin junction or first 1-2 segmented dorsal rays; colour in alcohol pale yellowish or tan with numerous dark melanophores on side of head, frontal region of nape, and loosely scattered on upper side; side of body with mid-lateral row of 3-4 widely spaced; tiny brown or blackish spots interspersed with horizontally elongate streaks; pair of dark markings on the upper and lower caudal-fin base; second pair often present (faint in some specimens) on upper and lower edge of mid caudal peduncle; fins mainly translucent except, numerous small blackish spots on basal third of dorsal fins, lower half of caudal fin, anal-fin membranes, and pelvic fin; and male anal fin with black margin (Ref. 138626).