This species is distinguished by the following characters: pectoral-fin rays 18-21; lateral scale rows 34-39; upper jaw length 7.4-10.7% SL (mean 8.9), and rarely more than 10% SL (4 out of 54); predorsal squamation reaching anteriorly to or beyond the anterior border of postorbital blotch; midline predorsal scales 26-30; pelvic fin when depressed falling far of the anus; cheek and operculum often with a few series of minute scales; first upper pectoral-fin ray often branch once, occasionally twice; second to fourth branch more than once; first dorsal-fin outline of adult males somewhat rectangular, while in females and young individuals with a somewhat triangular fin. Small pearly dots present all over the body, head and fins, arranged in horizontal series on body, vertical and horizontal series on fins, and splashed on head specially operculum and preoperculum; yellowish suffusion present everywhere including the outer border of dorsal fins (Ref. 128474).