This species is most similar to N. helfrichi in both having the following set of characters and live colouration details: caudal fin truncate to weakly emarginate; dorsoposterior ctenoid scales with fewer than 10 ctenii; elevated part of first dorsal fin blue on anterior edge; median fins are pale yellowish green, caudal fin without any markings, the outermost edge of second dorsal and anal fin tipped with a yellow or orange spot, one in each interradial membrane space; body when alive lavender to lilac; pelvic fins black-tipped; dorsal edge of iris with a black mark at 1

o’clock position, sometimes continuing onto interorbital space as a short streak. This species is unlike N. helfrichi and all its congeners by the following characters: maxilla unmarked (bright yellow in life, pale tan in preservation); and when alive, the snout, lower jaw, preopercle, and postorbital region are bright yellow (Ref. 128599).