This species has 13-14 dorsal spines and 7-9 dorsal soft rays, pectoral-fin rays ranging from 17-20, some branched rays in specimens over approximately 40 mm SL, 40-46 scale rows in longitudinal series (with an average of 43), a scaleless underside of the lower jaw, 11-15 gill rakers (with an average of 13), a nasal spine, and usually a lateral lacrimal spine. Additionally, it possesses two suborbital spines, with the first below the eye and the second at the end of the suborbital ridge. There are no interorbital and coronal spines, and the opercle typically features a large dark blotch, while the subopercle and spinous portion of the dorsal fin lack a dark blotch.