This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VII-I,9; A II,8; pectoral rays 15 (occasionally 14); lateral-line scales 24; predorsal scales 3-4; developed gill rakers 4-5 + 18-19; serrated preopercular margin; finely serrated preopercular ridge; body depth 2.9-3.4 in SL; third and fourth dorsal spines are the longest. Colouration: in life pinkish, grading to pale yellow ventrally with a faint grey stripe on head at eye level, a large black spot at base of caudal fin, with a series of faint narrow dark bars on the lower side, and black outer edge on first dorsal fin (more pronounced in male); the peritoneum is pale with scattered melanophores; the outer surface of intestinal tract black (Ref. 114921).