Can be distinguished from other species of the genus by possessing the following unique combination of characters: gill slit angular; subopercular groove present and not continuous to pectoral fin origin; body dark brown or bluish dark, dorsum with 6 thin cream bars, dorsal fin base always with 1 bar, side with complete or interrupted bars; head dorsum dark brown or bluish black with cream spots; sublacrymal groove present; a rounded snout when viewed dorsally; secondary rostrum absent; post-oral pouch absent; abdomen without scales; lateral line scales 56-70; pelvic fin not overlapping anal fin origin, adpressed dorsal fin not overlapping level of anal fin origin (Ref. 57871).