Body is elongated and compressed with a slightly compressed head. Lower jaw protrudes slightly beyond the upper jaw and the tongue is rounded or nearly truncate. The pelvic fins are almost separated with a vestigial connecting membrane between the innermost rays. Scales are ctenoid posteriorly and cycloid anteriorly and the head is naked. Sensory canals and pores are present on the head along with a pair of sensory papillae just behind the chin. The coloration includes 5-6 dark reddish-brown bars on the head and body, several faint yellow vertical lines on the ventral half of the body’s side and dorsal fins adorned with numerous minute yellow dots.