This species is distinguished by the following characters: D XIII,11; A III,7; pectoral rays 12-14 (usually 13); vertical scale rows in longitudinal scale series 62-72; horizontal scale rows above lateral line 9-10; below lateral line 13-15; dorsal spines with narrow, inconspicuous membrane on posterior edge with exaggerated pennant-like flap distally; relatively few dark spots on median fins, 5-28 on dorsal fin, 10-19 on anal fin, and 17-41 on caudal fin; first dorsal spine is relatively short, with an average length of 14.95% of SL (Ref. 74961).