This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: dorsal rays VI + I,9-10 (rarely 9), absence of elongate spines; anal rays I,10; pectoral rays 15-16 (mean 15.9); absence of pelvic frenum; absence of cephalic sensory canals and associated pores; total longitudinal scales 24-29 (mean 26.1), 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; colour in alcohol pale yellowish or tan without conspicuous markings, except black margin on anal fin of both sexes; few small clusters of melanophores on dorsal surface of head and small brown spots on side of head; and side of body with 4-6 widely spaced, tiny brown spots or horizontally elongate streaks in mid-lateral row and faint remnants of curved dark markings on the upper and lower caudal-fin base (Ref. 138626).