This species is rather small (up to 4.5 cm SL) with a distinctive colour pattern of two rows of five

elongate dense black blotches on side of body, the anteriormost three blotches are the largest, joined by faint broken yellowish brown lines in life; presence of a very broad black cheek-bar and broad black eye-stripe (both as wide as pupil) crossing interorbital space; body with ctenoid scales reaching rear corner of opercle, or to above pectoral fin base; nape midline scales always cycloid; presence of a few ctenoid scales on opercle; a distinct flap present at end of lower lip; pectoral fin rays 18-19 (Ref. 92171).