Characterized by the following: dorsal rays VI-I,10; anal rays I,9; pectoral rays 16; scales in longitudinal series 79-83; predorsal scales 22-28; all scales cycloid; anterior part of breast,

prepelvic region, and pectoral-fin base naked; head naked except side of nape and predorsal region, these scales extending anteriorly to about level of middle of opercle; body depth at pelvic-fin origin 5.4-5.6 in SL; vomerine teeth present; gill opening extending forward to a vertical at posterior edge of preopercle or slightly anterior; dorsal spines progressively longer to fourth, longest 1.0-1.55 in HL; caudal fin lanceolate, 3.1-3.3 in SL; pectoral fins reaching to level of interdorsal space, 4.3-4.8 in SL; pelvic fins reaching posteriorly to between anus and anal-fin origin, 3.1-4.2 in SL; colour pattern features of freshly collected female: general olive colour, 5-6 oblique rows of blue lines and spots on side of head, about six brown bars on body with narrow whitish margins; brownish blotch on caudal peduncle, sometimes with scattered small blue spots on body; brown to greenish median fins with blue streaks corresponding with fin rays, and yellow margin on first dorsal fin; male similar, ground colour often pale (light green to nearly whitish); pattern of dark and pale bars less distinct and side with numerous, widely scattered small blue spots. (Ref. 92356).