This species is distinguished by the following set of characters and careful comparison with the diagnoses, descriptions and geographical distributions of the other species: some populations, or individuals within a population, have a series of small, closely-spaced and short, distinct mid-lateral black bars, usually extending from near the pectoral fin base posteriorly to past the pelvic fin base, though equally as often, absent; body depth at vent moderately shallow (8.3-16.9 % SL); caudal peduncle length similar to that of caudal fin, relatively shortish, but moderately deep; dorsal midline usually partly flattened anteriorly from above pelvic fins; trunk with dorsal and ventral profiles relatively gently and evenly arched; interorbital often relatively flat though sometimes slightly to strongly convex; nostrils short to moderately long, usually non-visible from ventral view; mouth generally terminal, occasionally slightly sub-terminal; lower jaw shorter than upper jaw; caudal peduncle flanges usually low and long. generally reaching to, or near, the anal fin base; anal fin origin usually under 0.68 (0.21-1.14) distance posteriorly along dorsal fin base; pyloric caecae 1, more often 2, of moderate length (mean length of 3.1 % SL); gill rakers variable, short to moderately long and stout to moderately thin; expanded caudal fin rays usually equal to body depth through pectoral fin base, occasionally wider or narrower; lamina of paired fins oriented anterio-ventrally to ventrally; raised lamellae can be present on ventral surface of rays, and if so, weakly to strongly developed (Ref. 98815).