Morphology: Dorsal spines (total): 7 - 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 9; Anal spines: 1 - 1; Anal soft rays: 8 - 8; Vertebrae: 26 - 26. Diagnosis: Dorsal rays VI - I,9. Anal rays 1,8. Pectoral rays 17-19 (usually 18). Longitudinal scale series 25. Head naked except for scales on side of nape reaching nearly to orbit. Posterior nostril near edge of orbit. Body depth 4.4-4.8 in SL; snout short, 3.4 - 3.7 in head. First dorsal fin not higher than second (longest dorsal soft ray longer than longest dorsal spine); second or third dorsal spines longest, 5.35-5.8 in SL. Pelvic fins fully joined medially by membrane (when intact); pelvic frenum present. Body translucent with numerous small dusky orange-yellow spots on head and body, those on head in oblique rows; a round black spot as large or larger than pupil in humeral region just above base of pectoral fin, and a second black spot of about the same size at mid base of caudal fin (Ref. 41649).

Max size: 4.4 cm SL (male/unsexed; Ref. 54980); 3.18 cm SL (female)