Diagnosis: snout rounded and prominent, usually with deep transverse furrow and very well-developed fleshy appendage at its anterior end (Ref. 26190, 81639). Scale formula: 38-39 (38 commonly observed); 4.5-5.5 (5.5 commonly observed); 3.0-3.5 (3.0 commonly observed); 14-16 (16 commonly observed); dorsal fin with 9-10 (10 commonly observed) branched rays (Ref. 81639). Upper edge of dorsal fin always concave (Ref. 26190, 81639). 31-33 (33 commonly observed) vertebrae; ventral fin origin located under the 4th branched dorsal ray; genital opening distal from anal fin origin; dark brown longitudinal band on flanks, not flared over scaled base of caudal fin (Ref. 81639).

Description: eye relatively small and supero-laterally positioned (Ref. 26190, 81639. Longest dorsal fin ray 20.2-36.1% SL; caudal peduncle narrow, depth 11.6-17.3% SL (Ref. 81639).

Coloration: in preservation, brown or dark brown above lateral line, beige or light brown ventrally; dark longitudinal band always present but less clearly defined in large individuals (Ref. 81639).