This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: D X,11; A III,8; scale rows above lateral line 4½; scale rows between fifth dorsal-fin spine and lateral line 3½; suborbital width, 6-7% of SL; body is moderately deep. 40-45% of SL; head length 29-32% of SL; second anal fin spine 13-17% of SL. Colouration: anal fin yellowish grey or dusky grey, with posterior one-fifth of the fin light yellow; no black streaks on inter-radial membranes of the anal fin; caudal fin light yellow with a broad black posterior margin (approximately half of the fin); no vertical bands on body or weak if present with four horizontal scale rows wide; a distinct black spot on the upper base of pectoral fin; a diffuse black blotch at the origin of lateral line covering the upper part of the cleithrum (Ref. 130194).