A small species with the following characters: head 8.9-13.1% TL in height, trunk width 12.9-19.1% TL; origin of first dorsal-fin usually over mid pelvic-fin base; prenarial length 4.5-5.2% TL; preorbital snout length 1.4-1.6 times prenarial length, 2.6-3.1 in prepectoral length, 5.9-6.7 in prepelvic length; snout-vent length long, 46.2-51.2% TL; nostril 2.5-3.1% TL in width; eye-spiracle space wide, 0.8-1.2% TL; pectoral fin moderate-sized, height 8.7-12.2% TL, posterior margin length 7.4-11.4% TL; anal fin relatively low, height 2.8-3.7% TL; anal-caudal space 5.4-6.5% TL; precaudal length 76.4-79.2% TL; interdorsal space 7.4-9.6% TL; teeth with 3-5 cusps near symphysis of upper jaw; flank denticles are mainly unicuspidate; back without greatly enlarged denticles; long adult clasper, up to 9.3% TL, reaching anal-fin origin; vertebral centra 100-108; low tooth count, each jaw with teeth between 45 and 63; dorsal surface with a striking pattern of dark brown, open-centered saddles (Ref. 76949).