This species is distinguished by the following characters: D IV-V (probably routinely V), 21; A I, 17; pectoral-fin rays 17; lateral-line scales 52-54; gill rakers 5-8 + 11-13 = 16-21; predorsal scales 8; ctenoid scales on cheek robust,; canine teeth 6 in outer row at front of lower jaw; vomer teeth in 2 irregular rows, robust and conical; no teeth on palatines; margin of preopercle serrated; angle of subopercle with several spinules, margin is crenulated or weakly serrated; vertebrae 10 abdominal and 20 caudal; pelvic fins reaching between vent and anal fin origin; a series of 6 irregular dusky double blotches along sides, yellow upper lip, snout with yellow spots, lateral portion of head with yellow streaks and spots, occipital and postorbital regions with about 10 scattered dusky spots, including several within posterior part of interorbital region, soft dorsal-fin base with a series of about 9 small black spots, the latter not extending onto adjacent body, caudal-fin base with pair of dusky blotches, anal and caudal fins with rows of bright yellow spots, fleshy pectoral-fin base with large dark purplish grey blotch, followed posteriorly by distinct white-edged black bar (Ref. 116166).