Characterized by semi-transparent head and body often covered with dense pepper-like spots; presence of thin brown internal stripe interrupted by eight white dash-like marking along dorsal edge of vertebral column; peritoneum silvery or whitish with pair of large brown blotches; snout with a pair of narrow brown stripes; 3-6 lowermost pectoral rays, unbranched and sometimes thickened; longitudinal scale series 26-32; elongated oval or flattened cup shape formed by pelvic fins; restricted gill opening, ranging from just past lower pectoral fin base to below preopercular margin; fleshy snout overhanging lower jaw (Ref. 90102).