This species is distinguished by the following characters: 5 broad reddish brown saddles on dorsal surface; jaws and anterior portion of snout reddish orange; a yellow bar with red margin on cheek; a series of 8 red bars below body axis; spots on head, dorsal and caudal fins; 3 pairs of canine teeth anteriorly in lower jaw; palatine teeth absent; vomerine teeth stout, in a single curved row; 53 lateral-line scales; preopercle with smooth margin; 4th dorsal spine longest; caudal fin slightly rounded on ventral half, truncate on dorsal half, with a prolonged upper lobe; appressed pelvic fin extends beyond anus (Ref. 85753).