This species is distinguished by the following characters: D XI,9; A III,9; pectoral fin rays 15; dorsal fin with progressively longer spine where the 11th is 2.4-2.6 in head; in males the interspinous membranes do not extend above the spine tips; pelvic fins of male short 4.05-4.9 in SL; rounded to rhomboid caudal fin; lateral line scales 16-17 + 5-6; median predorsal scales 4-5; cheeks with 2 horizontal rows of scales; colour in life pale red, shading to pale yellow on abdomen, with deep red longitudinal lines on body following scale rows (persists as lavender to purple when preserved); head with two deep pink bands, one from upper lip passing over eye to origin of dorsal fin, the other from lower lip along mandible to corner or preopercle; operculum yellow; dorsal fin yellow anteriorly with a black spot on first membrane, spines red; rest of fin and caudal fin light red with deep red rays; pelvic fins yellow with red spines and rays (Ref. 41654).