This species is characterized by the following: D VI + !,10; A I,9; pectoral fin-rays 16-18; pelvic fin united , frenum present; longitudinal scales 75-82; head no scales; greatest body depth 4.1-5.2 in SL; caudal fin rounded, longer than head length; variable coloration ranging from yellow to mainly dark brown; diffuse bars on side; a pair of large, distinct dark-brown streaks above rear corner of the mouth and a second pair on gill cover; blue streaks on pelvic, anal and caudal fins. The yellow or yellowish brown variety has the same head markings (usually fainter), blue spots on the head, pale saddles across top of head and back; blue streaks on yellow pelvic and anal fins. The dark variety have similar head markings to pale and yellow varieties, but mainly dark brown body with several pale saddles across the back. All varieties have short bar across upper pectoral-fin base (Ref. 90102).