This species is distinguished by the following characters: body very deep, its depth at posterior margin of opercle 3.7-4.3 times in fork length; head equal to or less than body depth; maxilla covered by lacrimal bone but extending nearly to end of lacrimal; gill rakers very long, visible when mouth is opened, 30-48 on lower limb of first gill arch; numerous bristles on longest gill raker, about 150 on one side in specimens of 12.7 cm, 210 in specimens of 16 cm, and 240 at 19 cm fork length; intestine very long, 3.2-3.6 times fork length; snout pointed; swim bladder present; vertebrae 13 + 18 = 31; interpelvic process small and single; anal spine rudimentary. Colour of spinous dorsal fin yellowish with a black edge, pectoral and pelvic fins dusky, other fins yellowish (Ref. 168, 9684).