This species can be distinguished from by the following characters: the lateral profile of body with gradual convexly curved taper to caudal peduncle; with a distinctive postorbital notch above and behind each eye but not extending across top of head as occipital groove; when viewed above, rostral process with broad obtuse angle or straight and with prominent forward directed blade-like spine at each corner often mounted on somewhat triangular base; scales are moderately adherent; pored lateral line scales 56-61; scales above lateral line 3 and below 13-15 oblique scale rows; D1 VIII-IX, D2 15-16; A 15 (rarely 14 or 16); pectoral fin reaching fifth to seventh anal fin ray. Colouration: caudal fin mostly red with white transverse band near base; inner surface of pectoral fin with a large black oblong patch ventrally superimposed with scattered pale blue spots, the rest greenish with reddish margins dorsally, ventrally and basally (Ref. 127939).