This species is distinguished by the following characters: D III + XI-XIII + 8-10 (usually III + XII + 9); A I, 16-17 (usually 16 rays); pectoral fin 15: usually 2+6+7; lateral line, pored scales 11-12, notched scales 20-22 (usually 22), notched segment starting next scale row below end of pored segment; total lateral scales 29-30; dentary pores 3 + 2 + 3 ; head length 3.3-3.9 and body depth 4.4-5.2 in SL; eye 2.8-3.6 in HL; nape scaled; belly with thin cycloid scales; a row of cycloid scales on pectoral fin base, parallel with margin of branchiostegal membrane; supratemporal sensory canal crescent-shaped; orbital cirrus length about half of pupil diameter and either rounded or divided; upper and posterior margins of orbits with fine serrations; first dorsal fin equal in height to second in females, about 10% higher in males; pelvic-fin rays are united for less than half their length, the longest ray reaching almost to vent; mouth slightly down-turned and reaches vertical through anterior of pupil; diagonal brown bars across body with reddish dorsal and caudal fins (Ref. 88983).