This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: D I, 22 or 23 (usually 23); A I or II (rarely), 14 or 15 (I, 14); precaudal vertebrae 11; scales in lateral series 26 or 27 (27): predorsal scales 7 or 8 (7); predorsal scales anterior to anterodorsal parietal pores 2 or 3 (2); scales with distinct circular and radial striae (surrounding the former); dorsal- and anal-fin membranous margins not or barely incised between rays; body relatively deep, its depth at dorsal-fin origin 24.9-28.9 (means 26.5) % of SL; snout relatively long, its length 5.5-7.4 (6.5) % of SL; prepelvic length 30.5-34.7 (32.1) % of SL; anal-fin base length 29.9-36.0 (32.7) % of SL; body and all fins (except for distal edges and pectoral fin) generally brown to yellow when fresh; and orbital ridge margined with dark brown (except anterodorsally) (Ref 138052).