This species is distinguished by the following characters: D XI,13; A IV,9; pectoral rays 14; lateral-line scales 48-52 (often 49); scales above lateral line to base of dorsal spines 5 and below lateral line to base of anal fin 6-7; oblique rows of scales on cheek 5; gill rakers 6-7+13 (usually 6 +13); slender body with depth 2.9-3.3 in SL, head length 2.6-2.9 in SL; orbit diameter 2.7-3.0 in HL; interorbital width 4.1-4.8 in body depth; upper jaw length 2.3-2.6 in head; lower jaw is strongly protruding; preopercular spine 2.0-2.9 of orbit diameter; first dorsal spine 3.3-4.1 in HL; the last dorsal spine is shortest and third anal spine is the longest, its length 1.1-1.3 in HL. Colour of body red with white stripes dorsally, the front edge of pelvic and anal fins white, base of dorsal fin white (Ref. 100034).