This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: pectoral-fin rays 16-18 (mode 17) with middle rays branched in young and adults; pored lateral-line scales 2-8 (mode 3) with last pored scale situated from below second to fifth dorsal-fin spine base; longitudinal scale series about 50 rows; gill rakers 17-21 (mode 19); presence of palatine teeth; distinct nuchal and parietal spines; suborbital spines 3-5 (mode 5); the nape and anterior part of body moderately arched throughout life; relatively short post-nuchal-spine length, 3.2-9.5% (mean 5.7%) of SL; relatively long caudal-fin length, 23.4-30.7% (mean 26.7%) of SL; black spots on posterior half of caudal peduncle 5-37 (mode 8); body of preserved specimens with 4 distinct saddles (Ref. 92845).