This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: 11-12 (usually 11) segmented rays on second dorsal fin; 26-27 (-30?) longitudinal scale count; predorsal scales absent; 8 transverse scales from origin of second dorsal fin backward and downward to anal-fin base; pectoral-fin base naked; anterior 3 spines of first dorsal fin usually elongate and filamentous, extending posteriorly to base of first, second or third segmented ray of second dorsal fin; connecting membrane between innermost rays well developed; when fresh: irregular shaped yellow (pale in preservative) markings on cheek and operculum, oblique narrow yellow line from posterior end of eye to nape, small bright yellowish red spot on center or anteroventral part of operculum, ca. 9 narrow yellow vertical bars on body, distal tip of first dorsal fin vivid red, and a narrow yellow longitudinal band on middle of anal fin (Ref. 75057).