Characterized by dark purplish brown body color with three white spots anteriorly on middle of side; presence of series of small white spots beginning on nape, continuing along base of dorsal fin and ending on dorsal surface of caudal peduncle; caudal fin base with red-edged black spot; iris reddish; first four dorsal spines elongate or filamentous in male; all pectoral rays unbranched; longitudinal scale series 21-23; ctenoid scales, absent on head, nape and pectoral fin base; separated pelvic fins, thin membrane joining bases; well developed fifth pelvic ray, 50-70% length of fourth ray; 3-6 branches of fourth pelvic ray; depth of body 3.6-5.0 in SL (Ref. 90102).