This species is distinguished by the following characters: no tentacle on dorsoposterior surface of the eye; upper lip is constricted at premaxillary symphysis, less than half maximum lip width; in males, first dorsal-fin spines elongate, reaching back to middle of second dorsal fin; anterior nares with a low rim and not darkly pigmented; nape without membranous crest or ridge; without gular spots; scales on dorsum are narrowly outlined with black, without spots; along mid-side of pale body are 9 oval to rounded dusky spots, spots alternate in size between large and small; ctenoid scales laterally on trunk posterior to appoximately below midpoint of second dorsal fin, cycloid anteriorly; naked prepelvic region; lateral scales 41-46; pectoral-fin rays 21-23; males with pelvic fins dusky while whitish in females (Ref. 103856).