This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI + I,7-8; A I,7-8; pectoral-fin rays modally 15, some of the middle rays branched; body scales reaching forward dorsally to between middle of opercle or slightly anterior to posterior margin of preopercle, no scales on midline of nape; longitudinal scale series 22-25; transverse scale rows 6 or 7; elongated body, its depth at anus 12-17% SL; head length 29-31% SL; head width slightly greater than head depth; head depth 49-62% HL; short snout, 24-30% HL; slightly protruding lower jaw is rounded in ventral view; gill opening extending forward to a vertical at or slightly beyond posterior edge of preopercle; wide gill opening, extending forward to below posterior edge of orbit; sensory canal not interconnecting

above posterior edge of eye; absence of curved canine teeth on mid-side of lower jaw; rounded to truncate caudal fin; pelvic disc cup-like; pelvic frenum with a wide anteriorly-directed pocket; colour of head and body translucent, pale blue dorsally (with vertebral column visible as a dark brown band), crossed by 10 yellowish brown bars; body side yellowish brown, all of head and body densely speckled with dark brown (Ref. 94797).