The species has jaws with an outer row of short, closely set canines and an inner band of smaller teeth, lacking teeth on the vomer, palatines, or tongue. The soft dorsal and anal fins are large and broadly rounded, extending beyond the base of the caudal fin, giving the appearance of three tails along with the rounded caudal fin. Adult individuals display a uniform dark brown or olive coloration, while juveniles tend to be brownish and often mottled with darker shades.