The fish has a body depth measuring 2.8–3.3 times in standard length (SL). The preopercle is angular with 4–7 enlarged serrae at the angle, and the upper edge of the operculum is straight. The caudal peduncle depth is 3.0–3.6 times in head length. There are 17–19 rays in the pectoral fins, and the caudal fin is slightly convex in juveniles, becoming truncate or slightly emarginate in adults. The lateral line consists of 48–53 scales, and lateral body scales are rough, with auxiliary scales present.The head, body, and fins exhibit small, irregular, and closely spaced dark brown spots, forming a pale network on the ground color. The caudal fin typically has a white line along the rear margin, and spots on the pectoral fins are mainly confined to the rays.