This species is a large-sized Stiphodon with the pectoral fin spotted and sexual dimorphism obvious. Mature male has the upper one-third of the body khaki and lower part silvery grey/ grayish brown (some individuals would be darker in colour) with 9-10 lateral bars, first dorsal fin elongated, triangular and sometimes filamentous, predorsal midline without scales or with very few scales (certain individuals would have some scales); while the female has creamy with two obvious transverse stripes on the body, sometimes with several dull lateral bars, dorsum with several gold bars, ventrum light blue.