This species is distinguished by the following characters: D2 I,6-7 (usually 7); A I,6-7 (usually 7); pectoral-fin rays 13-16 rays; segmented caudal rays 15-16 in 8/7 or 9/7 pattern; lateral scales 23-27; transverse scale count 7-8; predorsal scales 6-7; opercle has 2-4 rows of cycloid scales; cheek scaleless; shoulder girdle with a smooth narrow flange or smooth edge; tongue is short and often blunt; males with teeth in outer row largest and widely spaced, slightly flattened and usually straight with pointed tips; females with outer row teeth very small, close-set, evenly sized and usually blunt-tipped. Colouration: head and body translucent to pale yellowish and with 5-6 diffuse greyish saddles on dorsum which may extend ventrally as indistinct bars and mid-side of body with five brownish blotches; scaly base of caudal fin with two blackish rounded spots, placed above and below last mid-lateral brownish spot and a broad half-moon shaped to vertical yellow bar extending from these dark spots onto caudal fin itself (Ref. 126575).