This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI, I,30 (I,29-30); A I,26 (I,25-27); pectoral-fin rays 20 (20-21); pelvic-fin rays I,5; segmented caudal-fin rays 17; upper procurrent caudal-fin rays 9 (9-14); lower procurrent caudal-fin rays 12 (11-12); total caudal-fin rays 37-43; gill rakers 6 (5-7) + 17 (17-18) = 23 (22-24). Colouration: elevated part of first dorsal fin blue on anterior edge; median fins are pale yellowish green, caudal fin no markings, outermost edge of second dorsal and anal fin tipped with a yellow or orange spot, one in each interradial membrane space, the spots sometimes coalescing; when alive the body is lavender to lilac; pelvic fins black-tipped; dorsal edge of iris with a black mark at 1 o’clock position, sometimes continuing until interorbital space as a short streak; maxilla black (when alive and preserved); snout bright pink in life (Ref. 128599).