The body of this species is robust, with a width of 1.5–1.8 times the body depth. The eye is small, with a diameter ranging from 5.8 to 14 times in head length. The preopercle is subangular and finely serrate. The anal fin has 3 spines and 8 soft rays. There are 18–20 rays in the pectoral fin, and the caudal fin is rounded. The lateral line has 54–60 scales, and the lateral body scales are smooth. In terms of coloration, small juveniles (less than 12 cm SL) are yellow with irregular broad black bars on the body. Small adults (20–50 cm SL) display irregular white or yellow spots on the black areas and fins with black spots. Adults (80–150 cm SL) are dark greyish or brown with pale mottlings, and the fins have numerous small black spots. Large adults (greater than 160 cm SL) are dark brown, with the fins appearing darker.