This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: dorsal rays VI + I,9-10 (usually 10), absence of elongate spines; anal rays I,9-10 (usually 10); pectoral rays 16-17 (usually 17); absence of pelvic frenum; absence of cephalic sensory canals and associated pores; total longitudinal scales 23-26 (mean 24), median row either continuous from behind pectoral-fin base to caudal-fin base or interrupted below first dorsal fin by scaleless gap; main mass of body scales extending forward from caudal-fin base to below anterior portion of second dorsal fin; colour in alcohol pale yellowish and mainly unmarked except three widely spaced, tiny brown spots or horizontally elongate streaks in mid-lateral row on side of body; clusters of melanophores on side and frontal region of head, and numerous, minute white spots covering abdominal region; fins semi-translucent except dorsal fins with pair of blackish basal stripes (merging to form broad, solid stripe on posterior half of first-dorsal fin); additional, narrow, poorly defined dark stripes on middle and outer portion of dorsal fins; and dense network of microscopic, brownish striations, giving overall dusky appearance to membranes of caudal, anal, and pelvic fins (Ref. 138626).