Distinguished by the following characteristics: variable coloration depending on size and depth of capture: head and body greyish brown for specimens up to 35 cm SL, shading to pale purplish grey ventrally, with three broad dark bars between the dorsal fin and lateral line; broad dark blotch dorsally on the caudal peduncle, reaching about halfway to the lateral line; specimens from deep water 88-115 cm SL with rosy slate or chocolate brown; throat and hidden membranes of head pinkish grey; without bars, spots or blotches; body depth 2.5-2.8 times in SL; head length 2.3-2.6 times in SL; convex interorbital area; angular preopercle; convex upper edge of operculum; posterior nostril diameter 2-4 times larger than anterior nostril; scaly maxilla, reaching to or slightly past vertical at rear edge of eye; 2 rows of teeth in midlateral part of lower jaw in 20-56 cm SL fish and 3-4 rows in 70-90 cm SL fish; caudal fin truncate; ctenoid lateral body scales, auxiliary scales sparse or absent on body scales (Ref. 089707).