This species is distinguished by the following characters: third or fourth dorsal spine longest; segmented dorsal and anal rays usually 10 (sometimes 9); pectoral rays 13-17 (usually 16); lateral scales 25-28 (usually 26); transverse-scales 7; predorsal scales 6-9 (usually 7, rarely 8-9); ctenoid scales cover the body and nape, except cycloid, embedded scales on prepelvic area and pectoral-fin base; cheek and opercle no scales; different longitudinal pattern of cephalic sensory papillae. Colouration: in life the adult male blotchy golden brown with whitish to pale grey flecks on head and sides, midlateral row of five, large dark brown spots; female with similar, but less vivid coloration, and no double row of transverse brown streaks and brown outer margin on dorsal fins, and instead with a broad, submarginal whitish band (Ref. 125639).