This species is distinguished by the following characters: D2 I,6-8; A I,7-8; pectoral rays 14-16; segmented caudal rays 15-16, usually in 9/7 pattern; lateral scales 23-26; transverse scale count 8-10; predorsal scales 6-8, ctenoid scales at sides and/or posteriorly; opercle with 2-4 rows of ctenoid scales, rarely with cycloid (but if so, then

predorsal scales ctenoid), cheek scaleless; shoulder girdle smooth or has a narrow flange, which may be angled outward (some specimens with 1-3 small flat knobs or flanges); tongue is short, its tip blunt to slightly concave; males with upper jaw teeth

in 2-6 rows, teeth in outer row always largest, slightly curved, conical to slightly flattened, while in females outer row of upper jaw teeth variable, may be similar to males with two rows of upright slightly flattened teeth, or row of short compressed blunt to pointed teeth. Colouration: scale margins are edged with brown, giving a diffuse network appearance, distinct wide dark brown to black oblique bar running from the lower rear edge of eye to above lower margin of preopercle; first dorsal fin is pointed, with two broad blackish stripes (Ref. 126575).