This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: 12-13 (rarely 14) spines on second dorsal-fin; 17-19 (rarely 20) anal-fin soft rays; 16-19 pored lateral-line scales; 17-19 notched lateral-line scales; 1-6 rows of small cycloid scales on boundary between abdomen and sides; simple, unbranched dermal flap of anterior nostril; simple dermal flap on orbit; prevomer with 1 teeth row; mandibular pore formula usually 4+1+4 (4-5+1+4-6); male with pale reddish brown body, female pale yellowish brown; shoulder girdle with 2 oblique white markings, upper one anterior to pectoral-fin base and lower one above pelvic-fin base; body with 8 dark saddle markings and a row of 5-6 small, ring-like white markings laterally; a blackish band with posterior white margin on caudal peduncle (Ref. 84020). Mandibular pore pattern 4+1+4 and D2 XIII (Ref. 79877).