This species is distinguished by the following characters: D XI,9; A III,9; pectoral-fin rays 15; pored lateral-line scales 15-18 + 6-7 (+1 over caudal-fin base); median predorsal scales 3-4; cheek with 5-7 scales in single row below the eye; uniserial row of suborbital pores; gill rakers 14-16. Morphometrics for terminal males: body depth 3.2-3.8 in SL; body width in depth 1.8-1.9; head length 3.0-3.1 in SL; the first 2 dorsal-fin spinous membranes moderately elongated and filamentous, 3.7-4.3 and 5.4-7.7 in SL, respectively; rounded caudal fin without extended upper and lower tips, 1.1-1.3 in HL; pelvic fins greatly elongated and broadly fan-like, reaching posteriorly to about middle of anal fin, 2.1-2.3 in SL; upper head and body reddish orange, lower head and body yellow to white, about three rows of small, well-spaced, bluish-to-lavender or reddish spots (not a stripe) across upper body; dorsal fin mostly dark to dusky red, divided mid-way out by a row of separated rounded spots (after first two membranes); caudal fin mostly dark with coppery-to-greenish sheen and numerous small pale spots and lines; the anal fin is mostly dark to dusky reddish; pelvic fins are greatly elongated and mostly dark to dusky reddish. (Ref. 114940).