This species is distinguished by the following: D X-Xl,21-23; A II,17-19; pectoral rays 15-16; total gill rakers on first branchial arch 16-19; pored lateral-line scales 96-106; scales in lateral series above lateral line 119-135; preopercular serrae 32-40; greatest body depth 4.8-5.5 in SL; length of last dorsal spine 2.3-2.8 in HL; longest soft dorsal ray 1.3-1.6 in HL. Colouration: when alive, mainly yellow, except white on thorax and lower head; prominent ocellus above operculum which is larger than pupil, consisting of a black spot completely surrounded by narrow, pale blue margin, and linked to upper rim of eye by pale blue stripe; fins are translucent, except the central part of caudal yellow, widest at base and tapering to middle of posterior margin (Ref. 120713).