This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: D2 I.9; A I,9 rays; size of head moderate, its length 32.8-34.1% SL; lateral surface of nape with scales; with postorbital pore G of cephalic sensory canal; gill opening moderate in size, extending anteriorly to the level of posterior margin of eye; pelvic fins are united medially, with a well-developed connecting membrane (between innermost rays) and frenum (between spines); caudal fin dorsoventrally asymmetrical, no distinct obliquely pointed tip, with three lowermost branched rays much shorter than other branched rays. Colouration: lateral surface of body with three broad black (dark brown in preserved specimens) bands, superposed by yellow chromatophores, the anteriormost band located under the first dorsal-fin base, middle band just behind a vertical line through posterior end of second dorsal-fin base, and posteriormost band on caudal-fin base; center of caudal peduncle (between middle and posteriormost bands on body) with a small faint, yellow-tinged dusky blotch; a large black blotch, covering almost entirety ofthe first dorsal fin; second dorsal and caudal fins are generally pale yellow, without a barred pattern (Ref. 132297).