This species is distinguished by the following characters: pectoral-fin rays 17-18; total gill rakers on outer side of first arch 19-20; abdominal scutes 13-14, scutes rectangular and rugose in large individuals; predorsal scales, 21-24; isthmus no scales; body scales adherent; lateral line scales with strong medial ridge and spine posteriorly and with numerous fine rather long spines in small individuals, scales rugose, lacking a posterior spine in large adults; predorsal midline scales forming very low ridge in small individuals, no ridge apparent in very large individuals; body ovoid and deep, depth 1.8-1.9 in SL; dorsal profile of head gently curved; dorsal- and anal-fin spines of moderate thickness; pectoral fin of moderate length, reaching base of second anal-fin spine in small individuals, to 10th-11th abdominal scute in largest; adults orange-red; buccal cavity mostly white, black only on roof of mouth posteriorly, opercular recess black anteriorly, much paler near periphery (Ref. 92805).