This species is distinguished by having the following characters: D III, XIV, 10, with first dorsal fin lower than second dorsal fin; A I,19-20; pored lateral line scales 18-20, notched scales 17-19; mandibular pore pattern 3+1+3; supraorbital and nasal cirrus slender and long; body color pale or light yellowish with 4 brownish-yellow or reddish-brown bars below second and third dorsal fins and caudal peduncle; behind base of pectoral fin is a brownish-black or black saddle mark; head pale with scattered melanophores, with some males densely spotted resembling a black mask on overall head; dorsal fins reddish to orange with second dorsal membrane dusky near the base; other fins are pale yellow to yellow; supraoccipital sensory canal forms a flattened curve anterior to first dorsal fin (Ref. 79877).