This species is distinguished by the following characters: D X,14-15 with dorsal spines 1-6 with fleshy white tabs at tips of spines, longest tab on spine 4; 14 pectoral rays, all unbranched; lateral line incomplete, 16-17 tubed scales; 4 oblique rows of scales on cheek; scales on top of head extending anteriorly to vertical from posterior margin of orbit; maxilla scaleless; preopercle with 8-10 small spines along posterior margin and 2 antrorse spines on ventral margin; interopercle with 2-3 spines; subopercle with 1 spine; fourth dorsal spine longest; a broad, fiery red-orange streak across lower cheek; head and body with irregularly spaced maroon-ringed yellow blotches on a white background; an eye-sized, brilliant white saddle on top of caudal peduncle posterior to base of dorsal fin (Ref. 93435).