This species is distinguished by the following characters: a complete cephalic sensory-canal pore pattern (pattern I); dorsal/anal-fin formula usually 8/8; lower pectoral-fin rays branched; no 5th pelvic-fin ray; males with anterior dorsal spines filamentous; subcutaneous dark spot at center of caudal peduncle over preural centrum; male urogenital papilla black; in life, with red eye with gold specks (Ref. 97683).