This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: tip of pectoral-fin spine reaching up to the base of dorsal-fin spine in vertical, normally reaching the nuchal plate when adpressed; pectoral-fin spine (16.0%-18.8% SL); four infraorbitals; presence of a postdorsal ridge; unicuspid teeth; premaxillary teeth (39-50, modally 44); absence of keels on dorsal and mid-dorsal series of plates; dorsal profile of the snout elliptical; snout tip covered with platelets; mandibular ramus (18.9%-22.5% HL); caudal peduncle (7.8%-8.8% SL); single fenestra on anterior portion of pelvic girdle; absence of dark spots over dorsal and lateral surfaces of head, body and fins; posterior margin of lower lip fringed; postdorsal ridge plates (8-11, normally 9); and 29 total vertebrae (Ref. 138661).