This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: dorsal rays VI + I,8-10 (usually 9); anal rays I,9-10 (usually 9); pectoral rays 15-17 (usually 15, rarely 17); absence of elongate dorsal spines; absence of pelvic frenum; absence of cephalic sensory canals and associated pores; total longitudinal scales 19-26 (mean 22.6), including 3-6 (mean 4.6) scales immediately behind pectoral fin and 15-21 (mean 18) on posterior portion of body; main mass of body scales extending forward from caudal-fin base to about junction between dorsal fins; colour in alcohol pale yellowish and mainly unmarked except four widely spaced; tiny brown spots or horizontally elongate streaks in mid-lateral row on side of body and clusters of melanophores on side and frontal region of head; male clearly distinguished by black margin on anal fin (on both live and preserved fish); and red or orange stripes on dorsal fins of live individuals (Ref. 138626).