Diagnosis: Body uniformly black, slightly brownish in larger specimens. Dermal denticles large and giving a rough texture to the skin. Upper labial furrows longer than the lower ones. First dorsal fin only slightly smaller than the second dorsal fin, originating from above anterior third to middle of the pelvic fin base. Second dorsal fin insertion just before level of anal fin insertion. Interorbital space 1.9-3.5 times eye horizontal diameter. Abdomen between pectoral fin tip and pelvic fin origin 1.3-2.5 times pectoral fin width. Spiral valves of the intestine 19-23 (mostly 21-22). Monospondylous + precaudal diplospondylous vertebrae 36-43 + 26-32 (often 38-40 + 28-30). Dermal denticles on tongue and palate absent (Ref. 56212).