This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI+I, 12-13; A I, 13; pectoral rays 19; longitudinal scale series 98-100; median predorsal scales absent; side of nape with scales extending forward to above middle of opercle; body depth 5.5-5.8 in SL; head length 3.45-3.5 in SL; snout length 1.75 in HL; gill opening extends forward to above middle of peopercle; 3rd - 5th dorsal spines of male are prolonged as filaments; lanceolate caudal fin, 2.6-2.85 in SL; pelvic fins are fully joined medially, reaching origin of anal fin; pelvic frenum present; body with 4 orangish brown bars and with irregular dark markings between; dorsal fin rays with ocellated orange spots, the soft rays tipped with orange; anal fin with the basal part with narrow adjacent bands of black, orange, blue, and blue-green; pale blue or green pelvic fins (Ref. 57553).