This species is distinguished by the following characters: rugose genital papillae in both sexes; no IT pores; POP pores present; 5th pelvic fin ray small, unbranched, about 1/10 length of 4th ray (usually poorly ossified and not easy to see); anterior-most branch of 4th pelvic ray elongate, with at least 9 segments; D1 spines not prolonged as filaments. pectoral fin rays 9-16 may be branched; absence of dark ventral-midline spots or mid-peduncular subcutaneous spot towards midbase of caudal fin; (Ref. 38034).