This species is characterized by the following: D V, 23-24; A I, 19; pectoral rays 20-21; lateral-line scales 61-63; gill rakers 3-6 + 10 or 11; canine teeth 3 pairs anteriorly in lower jaw; palatine teeth present; body depth 4.9-5.1 in SL; head length 3.6-3.7 in SL; last two dorsal spines longest and subequal; last interspinous membrane of dorsal fin attached to the first dorsal soft ray nearly 1/2 length of ray from base; caudal fin slightly rounded; pelvic fins not reaching anus, 1.55-1.65 in HL; orangish pink dorsally, shading to white below, upper side with 5 pairs of yellow bars, narrowing ventrally and becoming diffuse dorsally; a red spot above base of pectoral fin; spinous portion of dorsal fin no dark pigment (Ref. 75889).