This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI + I,11, the dorsal spines are thin and flexible, first longest with filamentous tip, 3.2 in SL, reaching to base of about fourth or fifth soft ray of second dorsal fin when laid back; A I,11; pectoral-fin rays 16-18; lanceolate caudal fin, longer than head length; 28-29 scales in longitudinal series; 8 transverse scales; 12-13 predorsal-scales; ctenoid scales cover the body, becoming cycloid on the breast, pectoral-fin base, and nape; cheek and opercle naked; when alive colour pale grey with brown scribbling on the back, with mid-lateral row of 4 short narrow black bars and spot (at caudal-fin base) positioned between pair of brown stripes extending from pectoral fin to caudal-fin base, pair of neon blue stripes across cheek, alternating blue and brown bands on dorsal fins, and orange spots on upper half of caudal fin (Ref. 100513).