Body is elongated and compressed with a slightly compressed head. Jaws are subequal, large and extend beyond a vertical line through the posterior margin of the eye. Gill opening extends anteriorly beyond a vertical line through the preopercular margin. The pelvic fins are medially united and a frenum is present. Scales are cycloid and the head, breast and pectoral-fin base lack scales. Sensory canals and pores are present on the head with distinct transverse sensory papillae rows on the cheek. There is a pair of short longitudinal sensory papillae rows just behind the chin. The head displays numerous short diagonal blue lines while the anal fin features alternating yellow and red lines.