This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI + I, 10; A I, 11; pectoral rays 17-19; cheek with 2 rows of scales; eye diameter 2.45-2.7 in HL; interorbital width 4.6-5.65 in HL; first dorsal spine longest in adults, 3.65-4.65 in SL, but second and third spines are nearly as long; rhomboid caudal fin, 2.6-3.5 in SL; pectoral fins 3.4-3.6 in SL; grey with a dark-edged yellow line from behind eye, parallel to dorsal profile of postorbital head and nape, and ending below first dorsal fin; base of dorsal fins with a narrow yellow band; caudal fin with 3 blue-edged yellow stripes; pelvic fins whitish (Ref. 75950).