The preopercle has 2–4 significantly enlarged serrae at the angle and the upper edge of the operculum is straight. There are 17–19 rays in the pectoral fin and the caudal fin is rounded. The lateral body scales are rough, with a few auxiliary scales. Head and body exhibit a pale greyish-brown color. There are 5 dark brown bars on the body and one on the nape, with these dark bars typically more or less divided vertically by a narrow pale bar. Scattered pale spots may be present on the body and some faint small brown spots are often visible on the edges of the dark bars. The pectoral fins are greyish or dusky orange-red while the jaws and ventral parts of the head may sometimes be pale reddish-brown.