The fish possesses a deep body, exceeding three times the standard length, featuring a rounded dorsal profile and a slightly inferior mouth with thick, warty lips. The lower jaw has uniform-sized teeth. The swim bladder resembles a carrot and bears branched appendages along each side, with the front pair penetrating the transverse septum. The dorsal fin exhibits a shallow notch, comprising 9 or 10 spines before it and 1 spine with 27 to 31 soft rays behind it. The anal fin is supported by 2 spines and 7 or 8 soft rays. The overall coloration is dark, adorned with numerous slender, sinuous black stripes, and the anal and pelvic fins are darker than the others.