This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: caudal fin emarginate, no filamentous lobes; suborbital scaled; without enlarged caniniform teeth in lower jaw; second anal spine is shorter, but slightly more robust than third anal spine; eye diameter greater than the snout length, 2.9-3.1 in head length; the lower limb of preopercle with three rows of scales; lateral-line scales 45-49; pectoral-fin rays 17; pelvic fins relatively short and not reaching level of anus. Colouration: overall blue in life with broad yellow stripe on head and anterior two-thirds of body (Ref. 123129).