This species is distinct from its congeners in having the following features: pectoral fins hyaline; at least some ctenoid cheek and opercular scales; caudal-fin is rounded to truncate in young fish to strongly emarginate or lunate in adults; predorsal scales 17-22, extending anteriorly to point ranging from slightly posterior to slightly anterior to PIO pores; presence of a prominent dark bar across anterior caudal peduncle and adjacent posterior body extending onto basal 1/2 of posterior dorsal and anal fin rays (Ref. 74994).

Description: Characterized by tan or light brown color; each body scale with yellow spot forming longitudinal rows on side; pelvic fins yellow; anterior lateral-line scales 23-29; depth of body 30.0-35.4 % of SL (Ref. 90102).