This species distinguished by the following characters: 28-32 segmented dorsal-fin rays, all or all but the first 1-2 rays branched; 17-20 segmented anal fin rays; 16-20 circumpeduncular scales; dorsal fin origin to pelvic-fin origin 22.7-27.1% SL; head and body generally brown with darker brown edging on body scale margins and a dark grey to dark blue (dark grey to dark brown when preserved) spot on opercular flap (Ref. 81967).