This species is distinguished from Psammoperca datnioides by the following set of characters: Colouration: when alive, the head and body brownish dark and often golden in colour; pored lateral-line scales yellow-edged; and similar yellowish brown colour in preserved specimens; lower counts of pored lateral line scales 46-48; hind margin of maxilla reaching slightly short of hind margin of eye when mouth closed; tiny scales that are not seen with naked eye, but visible through binocular scope, on the posterior uppermost part of maxilla; pelvic-fin spine subequal to 4th dorsal spine; circumpeduncular scale 21-22; moderately lesser body depth, 32-36% (mean 36%) of SL; lower counts, 5½ / 7½-9½ scale rows above and below lateral line; gill rakers 7 (including 6 rudiments) + 1 + 11 (including 3 rudiments) = 19 (9 rudiments); last dorsal-fin spine / penultimate dorsal-fin spine 1.5-1.7 (Ref. 124584).