This species is distinguished by the following characters: D XII,10 with the last ray divided at base; pectoral-fin rays 16, the uppermost branched pectoral fin ray is the second; lacrimal with 2 spines over maxilla that point at nearly right angle from each other, and the posterior pointing ventrally and slightly anteriorly; occipital pit is well developed; anteriormost mandibular lateral-line pores are small, separated; scales ctenoid; scale rows in longitudinal series 59-62; no scales on chest and pectoral fin base; cirri developed over entire head and body, no cirri on lower jaw (Ref. 122805).