This species is distinguished by the following characters: D XII,13; pectoral-fin rays 17-18 (modally 17); pored lateral-line scales 28-29 (28); scale rows between lateral line and middle of

spinous dorsal-fin base 3.5; lower gill rakers, with all rudiments 13 or 14 (13); middle dorsal-fin spines are relatively long, 7th dorsal-fin spine 14.5-18.3 (mean 16.3) % of SL; last 3 dorsal-fin spines are relatively long [10th dorsal-fin spine 7.7-9.8 (8.8) % of SL, 11th (penultimate) dorsal-fin spine 5.8-8.3 (6.8), 12th (posteriormost) dorsal-fin spine 7.0-9.8 (8.3) % of SL]; second to fourth anal-fin spines relatively long [second anal-fin spine 5.5-8.6 (7.1) % of SL, third anal-fin spine 15.2-18.3 (16.8) % of SL, fourth anal-fin spine 12.6-14.6 (13.5) % of SL]; caudal peduncle relatively long, its length 10.3-12.2 (11.2) % of SL; posteriormost dorsal-fin spine fused to the first dorsal-fin soft ray, the space between spine and ray about half that between bases of former and penultimate dorsal-fin spines; first body scale row usually below first dorsal-fin spine base (60 %) or between bases of first and second dorsal-fin spines (40 %); ventral part of maxilla not expanded ventrally even in large specimens; body scales with closely set, many developed spinules, fewer young spinules; narrow longitudinal white bands or rows of spots laterally on body when fresh (including large specimens), (usually lost after being preserved); dark red blotch on upper origin of pectoral-fin base (Ref. 119380).