From Boulenger 1909, pp. 12-13.

Head 1½ times as long as broad, 6 times in total length; snout projecting very slightly beyond lower jaw; eye lateral, 8½ times in length of head, 3 times in width of interorbital region, which is slightly convex; all head-shields paired; a series of 4 shields between postorbital and spiracular shields suboperculum slightly larger than eye. Dorsal with X-XI spines, not overlapping when folded. Anal 15. Pectoral widely separated from first dorsal spine. 62-63 scales in a longitudinal series, 24-25 between occiput and first dorsal spine, 42 round middle of body. Olive above, with ill-defined light spots, whitish beneath; lips and gill-membrane spotted with black; dorsal fin spotted with black; pectorals, ventrals, anal, and caudal barred with black.