This species is distinguised by the following set of characters: pectoral-fin rays 19-20, with second to ninth rays branched; pored lateral-line scales 5-19 with posteriormost pore situated from below base of fifth dorsal-fin spine to anterior of caudal peduncle; scale rows in longitudinal series 46-48; presence of palatine teeth; small slit behind the fourth gill arch; no second preopercular spine; nuchal and parietal spines are distinct but joined at base; head large, long, its width 17.7-19.5% (mean 18.8%) of SL and length 46.1-51.9% (48.7%) of SL; interorbital space broad, its width at vertical midline of eye 8.0-8.9% (8.3%) of SL and posterior end of preocular spine base 6.2-6.8% (6.4%) of SL; postorbital length 24.1-25.2% (24.7%) of SL; deep caudal peduncle, depth 10.0-11.0% (10.7%) of SL (Ref. 116601).