This species is distinguished by the following characters: D XII, 8 or 9 (usually 9); pectoral-fin rays 17-19 (18); scale rows in longitudinal series 33-41 (mode 37); pored lateral-line scales 23-25 (24); scale rows above lateral line 5-8 (6), below 9-12 (11); scale rows between last dorsal-fin spine base and lateral line 4-6 (5); scale rows between sixth dorsal-fin spine base and lateral line 4-6 (5); gill rakers 14-21 (17); the lateral surface of maxilla has a distinct longitudinal ridge; no lateral lacrimal spine; suborbital spines 3; with a distinct second preopercular spine; posterior margin of maxilla reaching or extending beyond vertical through posterior margin of orbit; minute slit behind last gill arch; dorsal profile of head strongly rounded; eye large, orbit diameter greater than snout length (Ref. 104739).