Small individuals closely resemble E. tauvina and E. malabaricus, but have orange spots and lack hexagonal spots on the fins; head and body tan dorsally, shading to whitish ventrally; numerous small brownish orange or reddish brown spots on head, body and median fins; further characterized by having overall tan color; four irregular H-shaped dark bars; back with 3-4 blackish saddles; head, body and fins with numerous small brownish orange or reddish brown spots.