This species is characterized by having principal tail ridges with a small posterior spine-like projection on each ring; pectoral fin rays 11-14; dorsal fin rays 19-22, body rings 16-17 + 31-40 (total 48-57), snout length 2.3-2.6 in head length; lateral trunk ridge ending on the 5th-9th tail ring; body with 13 broad pink bands (Ref. 75989).

Description: Characterized by having variable color depending on surroundings, usually red, brown or whitish with narrow white or brown bars at intervals of every 4-5 rings; 10 caudal rays; superior and inferior trunk ridges continuous with respective tail ridges (Ref. 90102).