This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: pectoral-fin rays 19-20 (usually 19), some middle rays are branched; scale rows in longitudinal series 54-60; pored lateral-line scales 24-25 (24); occiput nearly flat, no distinct occipital pit; no longitudinal ridge on lateral surface of maxilla; lateral lacrimal spine, posterior lacrimal spine, and upper opercular spine are simple; no scales on opercle between upper and lower opercular spines; first dorsal-fin spine length, 4.6-7.8% of SL; second dorsal-fin spine length 10.9-16.3% of SL; third dorsal-fin spine length 14.4-19.1% of SL; snout length 31.8-35.5% of HL; third or fourth dorsal-fin spine longest (both spines of similar length, third dorsal-fin spine length, 97.6-105.6% of fourth spine length); head and body usually with small black blotches scattered when fresh and preserved (Ref. 137550).