This species is distinguished by the following characters: D XI,9; A III,9; pectoral fin rays 15; lateral line scales 17+5; median predorsal scales 5; horizontal rows of scales on cheek 2;

gill rakers 14-15; body depth 3.00-3.45 in SL, width 2.0-2.2 in body depth; head length 2.7-3.1 in SL; snout length 3.85-4.15 in head length; short pelvic fin and not reaching base of anal fin, 4.3-5.2 in SL; rounded caudal fin; large eye with orbit diameter 3.15-3.85 in HL; color in life, males with abdomen pale yellow, body red dorsally fading to yellowish ventrally, the soft portion of dorsal black outer band and red band mid-dorsally, broader posteriorly, yellow band at base, the spinous part black on the first membrane fading to irregular dusky on yellow

toward first soft ray, a thin outer margin violet to pale blue and nape dusky; when preserved pale, males with black submarginal band in dorsal fin and caudal fin translucent (Ref. 89074).