The preorbital bone is relatively broad, with a width usually greater than the eye diameter. The head profile is slightly convex, and the preopercular notch and knob are moderately developed. Vomerine teeth form a V-shaped patch without a medial posterior extension, and the tongue has a patch of granular teeth. There are 22–23 gill rakers on the 1st gill arch. The coloration is dark reddish-brown on the back, shading to red on the sides, with scales having a whitish spot, forming a linear pattern. Juveniles and some adults may have two distinct silvery spots between the lateral line and dorsal fin, with the center of each scale appearing silvery.