This species is distinguished by the following characters: D X,10; 40-45 serrae on preopercle; posttemporal with 5-7 spines on exposed portion at beginning of LL; 42-45 lateral-line tubed scales; 2.5-3.0 scales above lateral line to dorsal origin; body color pinkish without dark markings; snout with row of 4 small dark spots (2 in front of each eye); 2 dark spots on chin (one on each side of symphysis of dentaries); maxillaries pinkish anteriorly with posterior half white with dusky streak positioned centrally near dorsal edge; pelvic fin white with yellow streak on middle rays; white anal fin with 6 large yellow spots separated by broad white interspaces and a narrow yellow distal border; caudal fin with reddish pink base surrounding small pinkish white spot over bases of middle rays, remainder of fin white with 4 narrow yellow bands and yellowish distal margin; caudal-fin shape weakly emarginate (Ref. 98907).