Color pattern similar to P. echinocephalus (i.e. reddish orange head an black body and fins), but has shorter papillae on head. Midline of belly naked (Ref. 1602). Transverse scales 10-11. Mouth strongly curved downward; lips thick; chin heavy and square. Entire nape naked. Opercles with short, soft prickles or fibrils which also occur from lower margin of preopercles to mouth; ventrals also covered with similar prickles; dorsal fins very close together; dorsal base discontinuous; 2nd dorsal higher than 1st, posterior rays elongated; anal similar to 2nd dorsal but lower; caudal rounded; pectoral broad (Ref. 43541); characterized further by: longitudinal scale series 22-24; scales ctenoid except head, nape, pectoral region, breast and midventral portion of abdomen; complete pelvic fin frenum and basal membrane; depth of body at level of pelvic fins 3.0-3.4 in SL (Ref. 90102).