Small juveniles all black, gradually changing to the blotched pattern of the adult (Ref. 48635). Rear edge of maxilla ends well in front of eye. Prominent pit present behind upper eye. Preopercular spines short, usually 2, subequal. Infraorbital ridge usually smooth over eye. Suborbital ridge largely smooth, bearing 2 spines below eye. Oblique scale rows slanting backward above lateral line more or less equals number of lateral-line scales. Dermal papillae (10-12 in adults) on upper eye, some simple, some branched, longest not reaching supraorbital ridge. Interopercular flap usually broader than long, with several subdivisions.

Description: Characterized by having 1-3 anterior lateral line scales with small weak spine; absence of preorbital spines; cirrose iris lappet (Ref. 90102).