Diagnosis: predorsal scales always absent; 27-31 (rarely 32) scales in longitudinal series (including scales on caudal fin base); 9-11 scales in rearward transverse series; 15-17 (rarely 14) pectoral-fin rays (Ref. 57413, 81660).

Description: ctenoid scales on flanks; 1st dorsal fin: V or VI (perhaps VII); 2nd dorsal fin: I,8-10; anal fin: I,6-8; pectoral fins: 15-17 (rarely 14); caudal fin rounded with 14-16 segmented rays, 11-13 of which are branched; 5-6 prearticular neuromast rows on ventral part of head, running transversely from lower jaw towards gular region (Ref. 57413, 81660).

Coloration: generally brownish, darker dorsally; head dark, with some vertical dark bands below eye; operculum with dark, vertical band and sometimes a dark patch on posterodorsal margin; pale patch may be present just posterior to operculum and above base of pectoral fin; flanks with 7-8 more or less distinct, dark, vertical bands; distinct vertical band at base of caudal fin; 1st dorsal fin more or less pigmented, with black dots forming 2 longitudinal bands, and posterior part of fin base dark; 2nd dorsal and anal fins often well pigmented, with 1-4 longitudinal bands and anterior, as well as posterior parts of fin bases dark; distal margin of dorsal fins light; pectoral and pelvic fins speckled, pectorals sometimes with a dark patch on dorsal and ventral margins (Ref. 57413, 81660).