Preopercle rounded, the posterior edge distinctly serrate, with a large spine (usually covered with skin) projecting downward and forward at the angle. Color in life: head and body marbled reddish brown, with obscure bars and small dark and pale spots all over the head, body and median fins. Pectoral fins with 7 or 8 irregular transverse series of small dark spots (Ref. 5222); further characterized by having body depth less than or equal to head length, depth contained 2.3-2.8 times in standard length; caudal peduncle depth 11-12% of SL; eye diameter subequal to snout length, contained 4.1-5.5 times in HL; color in market: similar to color in life but color may fade to a buff, reticulations on pectoral fins usually remain (Ref. 89707).