This species is distinguished by the following characters: A II,6; dorsal-fin spines flexible, bend easily under slight pressure; snout is relatively short, 12.3-17.0% (mean 14.3%) of SL, it is shorter than postorbital length; posterior margin of maxilla reaching to or extending beyond vertical through middle of pupil; the distance between tips of lateral lacrimal and the first suborbital spines is shorter than or subequal to that between tips of first and second suborbital spines; no supplemental preopercular spine; tentacles on supraocular and posterior lacrimal spines are well developed, their lengths greater than orbit diameter; trunk and fins with numerous tentacles; lateral lacrimal and suborbital spines are poorly developed, indistinct, usually tiny spines and often bony protuberances without pointed tips; absence of distinct black blotch on soft-rayed portion of dorsal fin (Ref. 106976).