This species with no orbital cirrus or a red banner is distinguished by the following characters: TP territorial males found in holes with a black head; the anterior dorsal fin plain black without a white rim, sometimes irregular grainy white patches; the first dorsal-fin spine very short, when adpressed extending posteriorly to about 5th spine base, about 1/4 HL, and subsequent spines rising to midfin spines; sometimes with an irregular row of dark spots along proximal membranes of spinous dorsal fin; occasionally with a short row of small dark spots along anterior lateral midline (Ref. 125603).

Dark-shaded, pale, and transitional TP with very short first dorsal-fin spine, when adpressed reaching to 4th spine base, subsequent spines rising to midfin; usually large irregular grainy white patches on dorsal fin, anterior body, and pectoral fins; usually with an irregular row of dark spots along proximal spinous-dorsal-fin membranes, often indistinct; sometimes with a short row of small dark spots along anterior lateral midline; opercular bands or lines absent; reduced head markings with a dark band from eye across the jaws, a moustache band at rim above maxilla (from a single spot to a thick curve under eye), and typically with an obvious discrete black spot (or small collection) just behind mid-orbit (Ref. 125603).

IP with very short first dorsal-fin spines, when adpressed the first spine reaching to base of 4th-5th spine base, spines rising sharply to midfin spines. Colouration: live colors red, orange, and pink; cranial pattern a Y-shape: an oval band 1, band 2 a prominent Y with pale arms and a red stalk, with a reduced band 3 of one or two isolated spots or segments, a long pale band 4 becoming red towards midline, and band 5 inconspicuous; IP head spots are reduced, typically only a band from eye across jaws and a spot at corner of jaw, one under the jaw; melanophores near pectoral-fin base diffuse, sometimes one or two spots (Ref. 125603).