The species is characterized by elongated dorsal fin spines with deeply incised membrane, and the membrane between upper pectoral fin rays is incised nearly to the base of the ray. The dorsal fin comprises 12–13 spines and 9–11 soft rays, while the anal fin has 3 spines and 5–6 soft rays. Pectoral fins exhibit 13–14 soft rays. The body features numerous dark brown to reddish-brown bars of variable width, and the ventral surface of the mandible and chest displays numerous longitudinal dark brown stripes. The soft-rayed portion of the dorsal and anal fins, as well as the caudal fin, is translucent with small brownish-red spots scattered on the rays. The tentacle above the eye may be faintly banded.