Dorsal spines: 7 in total, dorsal soft rays: 10-11 in number, anal spines: 1 and anal soft rays: 9-11 as well as vertebrae: 26. The coloration varies significantly with a brownish color on the upper half transitioning to white below. A distinctive honeycomb pattern is formed by dark brown scale margins and a midlateral row of double dark brown spots creates rectangular markings. Caudal rays are segmented and non-branching (3, rarely 2) with branching rays numbering 14 (rarely 15). Predorsal cycloid scales range from 7-10 and the trunk has ctenoid scales. Some individuals lack black spots on the nape. The isthmus is narrow, scaled forward to the vertical position at the posterior part of the preoperculum. Two diagonal dusky lines are present on the operculum. An inverted U-shaped spot is prominent at the distal end of the upper jaw. The pectoral fin features small dusky spots and two longitudinal lines on the pectoral base extend onto the fin rays. Sexual dimorphism is evident in the anal, pelvic and 2nd dorsal fin.