This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: fourth spine of first dorsal fin filamentous, without membrane; fourth spine may extend posteriorly to 2?5 rays of second dorsal fin; pectoral fin with 14?15 rays; upper jaw with 25?33 teeth; lateral series scales 22?31; transverse forward series scales 5?9; preanal fin length 49?55% SL; second dorsal fin length 38?45% SL; anal fin length 42?47% SL; caudal fin length 30?34% SL; scales usually not reaching upper pectoral base; head and fin with black spot; faint yellowish longitudinal band from snout through dorsal of head and dorsal fin bases to upper caudal peduncle; caudal peduncle bluish; and caudal fin translucent, yellowish base, bluish upper distal margin, with 9?11 dusky transverse stripes (Ref. 137932).