This species is distinguished by the following characters: pectoral-fin rays 15; scale rows in longitudinal series 31-33; pored lateral-line scales 11-14; predorsal scale rows 3; scales above lateral line 4-5, below 10-11; scale rows between sixth dorsal-fin spine base and lateral line 4-5, scale rows between last dorsal-fin spine base and lateral line 4; gill rakers 3 on upper limb, 9 lower limb, 12 total; palatines with teeth; interior and posterior lacrimal spines are simple; suborbital spines 3; no coronal spines; posterior end of tympanic spine base at level with posterior to origin of parietal spine base in dorsal view; lower opercular spine with a median ridge, not covered with scales; body scales ctenoid; with several dark transverse bands on ventral surface of mandible; distinct elongate black blotch present distally between second or third and seventh dorsal-fin spines; without black blotch on nape (Ref. 80546).