This species is distinguished by the following characters: D XI,9; A III,9; pectoral fin rays 15; dorsal fin with progressively longer spines, the last 2.2 in head; in males the interspinous membranes not reaching above spine tips; caudal fin rounded; pelvic fin of male 3.0 in SL, of female 4.6 in SL; lateral line scales 17+6; colour of male yellowish dorsally, shading on side to pale lavender-pink; head dusky yellow with purple bands; dorsal fin mainly orange-red with a violet band at base and a narrow dark red margin on spinous and anterior soft portion of fin; caudal fin red with broad distal yellow border containing a submarginal dusky zone in central part; female orange-pink, head suffused with yellow dorsally; a purple band from corner of mouth to upper end of gill opening, then continuing ventrally on edge of opercle; dorsal fin yellow; caudal fin orange, shading outwardly to yellow (Ref. 41654).