Characterized by pale brownish grey to bluish grey body color with four large, brown to yellow brown ovate blotches along middle of side at level of base of pectoral fin, irregular orange markings between blotches; small brown spots/saddles along dorsal fin base; caudal fin base with brown spot; dark spot on pectoral fin base; elongate and filamentous first 4-5 dorsal spines in both sexes; united pelvic fins, well-developed frenum present; long and pointed caudal fin,2.3-2.7 in SL; longitudinal scale series 61-80; ctenoid scales posteriorly, becoming cycloid anteriorly; scales absent on head, midline of nape, prepectoral area and breast; low fleshy ridge on midline of nape; depth of body 5.2-7.0 in SL (Ref. 90102).