This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI + I,10, dorsal spines thin and flexible, first two with long filamentous tips, that of second spine longest 2.3-3.2 in SL, reaching to base of about sixth soft ray of second dorsal fin when laid back; A I,10; pectoral-fin rays 20; lanceolate caudal fin which is slightly longer than head length in adult; scales 30 in longitudinal series; 9-10 transverse-scales; 12-13 predorsal-scales; finely ctenoid scales cover the body, becoming cycloid on the breast, pectoral-fin base, nape, and head; 3 scale rows on uppermost portion of opercle; cheek fully scaled; colour in life pale grey with numerous widely scattered dark-edged, orange spots on body, 5 horizontally-elongate dark brown blotches on side of body at level of pectoral-fin base, (including one at middle of caudal-fin base), a pair of orange stripes on cheek (Ref. 100513).