This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: pored lateral-line scales 41-43; scale rows between lateral line and base of 6th dorsal-fin spine 3; subopercular serrae 16-23; interorbital scales extending far beyond mid-orbit level but not reaching level of posterior nostrils; scales on ventral surface of lower jaw extending anteriorly onto posterior portion of dentary; a longitudinal orange stripe from posterior margin of orbit to caudal-fin base (not retained as prominent dark marking in preserved specimens); anal fin with 5-11 relatively large yellow spots (not retained in preserved specimens); body depth at pelvic fin origin 25.8-26.4% of SL; head length 39.0-39.4% of SL; orbit diameter 13.5-14.1% of SL; postorbital length 19.2-20.3% of SL; and pectoral-fin length 27.8-29.3% of SL (Ref. 137845).