This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: D XII,12-14 (usually XII,13); A II,12-14 (usually II,13); pectoral-fin rays 16-18 (usually 17); spiniform caudal-fin rays 2; tubed lateral-line scales 14-17 (usually 15-16); total gill rakers on first branchial arch 27-32; body depth 1.8-2.0 (mean 1.9) in SL. Colouration: in life overall yellowish brown, typically with lateral greyish to purplish stripes along scale rows; the dorsal and anal fins are brownish with dark-brown triangular marking posteriorly and caudal fin yellowish; pectoral fin with a prominent round, blackish spot covering the entire base and axil (Ref. 122787).