The fish is a small light brown flathead characterized by 3-4 indistinct darker bands across the back and a pale band behind the head. The underside is pale, and the pectoral fins display dark bars, while the pelvic fins have 2-3 irregular broad dark bars. The tail is cream near the base, dusky on the outer half, and has a white margin. The dorsal fin features a broad dusky margin, and the lower edge of the cheek is equipped with a forward-directed spine.