The fish has an elongated body with a slightly arched dorsal profile. The eyes are positioned high, above the level of the mouth, and are 1½ diameters apart. Spines extend from the front edge of the eyes to the dorsal fin. Below, these spines are closely spaced and reach down to the vent. There is a single lateral line on the side of the body, and the nasal organ features tentacles. The dorsal fin is situated in the last third of the body. The coloration includes reticulated narrow black interspaces between large white spots on the caudal and dorsal regions.