This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following characters: upside-down omega-shaped marks on the lateral body 4; brown saddles on the dorsal surface 4; presence of black patches on the nape and operculum; bars on the dorsal and caudal fins; orbital large (6.7-8.1% SL); interorbital space narrow (2.1-2.8% SL); snout short (6.3-7.2% SL); anterior palatine teeth are not longer than posterior teeth; pectoral fin extending slightly beyond a line from base of pelvic fin to origin of dorsal fin; peritoneal spots 7; peritoneal membrane pale; nasal flap flames-like, long and pointed; D 11-13 (usually 11); A 9-11 (10 or 11); pectoral-fin rays 11-14 (usually 12); total vertebrae 52-54; pored lateral-line scales 52-54; transverse scale rows above lateral line 3.5, below 4.5 or 5; gill rakers 31-37; teeth on free end of tongue 17-29 (Ref. 118657).