This species is distinguished by the following characters: D X,10; A III,6; pectoral-fin rays 15; lateral-line scales 42; gill rakers 3 + 9; caudal rays 17; 4th dorsal spine longest, 2.8 in HL; body depth 23.3% SL, 4.3 in SL; head length 40.3% SL; orbital length 9.3 in SL; 2.5-3 scales above lateral-line to dorsal origin; 40-46 serrae on margin of preopercle; dorsal fin continuous, with 9th dorsal spine shorter than tenth spine; longest dorsal soft ray (7th) 2.4 in HL; first anal-fin spine 8.7 in HL, second anal-fin spine 3.49 in HL; relatively short pelvic fin, 4 in SL; colour of head and body pinkish, ventral side pale; body with 6 white blotches; numerous small bluish white circular spots on lower caudal fin, upper caudal fin with a small circular grey spot distally (Ref. 75235).