This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: D VI + I,12-14; A I,13-15; pectoral fin rays 18-19; pelvic fin rays I, 5, with pelvic fins joined basally by a membrane, pelvic frenum present, fifth pelvic soft fin ray slightly shorter than fourth, branched once mid-ray, branches not separated (occur close together and run parallel to each other throughout the ray); longitudinal scale series 77-85; median predorsal scales 15-17, scales embedded anteriorly, squamation extending to above upper end of preopercular margin; gill opening reaching forward to below middle of opercle; alcohol preserved color beige, with five narrow dark brown bars, broadly bordered in lighter brown, the first from nape across operculum, the last on caudal peduncle; bars progressively less oblique, the last near-vertical; pale interspaces with irregular dark brown line, sometimes branching, often ending dorsally in dark spot; branchiostegal membranes dark brown; caudal fin with dark brown arc at base, limbs of arc narrowing posteriorly to midfin; remaining fins unmarked (Ref. 82599).