This species is distinguished by the following characters: D X,12; A III, 7; gill rakers 5-7 + 10-11, total = 15-18; pseudobranchial filaments about 22; pored lateral line scales 46; circumpeduncular scales 21; scales below D1 origin 4 and below first segmented dorsal ray 3-3.5; truncate caudal fin with upper lobe slightly pointed and the lower somewhat rounded; dorsal, anal and pectoral fins scaly near base; tube-like anterior nostril with rim low anteriorly but rising to a high narrow flap posteriorly, 4-6 long cirri at distal tip; posterior nostril a simple opening lacking a raised rim; a prominent black blotch distally between dorsal fin spines a and 4; body with 5 broad bands and another over nape, with the band under the 5th to 10th spines descending to belly well removed from the pectoral-fin base and to front of anal fin; the band below anterior rays of soft dorsal fin descends to middle of anal-fin base (Ref. 118671).