This species is distinguished by the following characters: D XI-XII,12-14 (modally XII,13); pectoral-fin rays 15-18 (17); pored lateral-line scales 27-29 (28); scale rows between lateral line and middle of spinous dorsal-fin base 3.5; lower gill rakers, including all rudiments 11-14 (13); middle dorsal-fin spines are relatively short, 7th dorsal-fin spine 11.8-15.0 (mean 13.8) % of SL in 10.0-19.0 cm SL specimens [11.8-22.3 (15.1) % of SL in all examined specimens (3.40-3.37 cm SL)]; the last 3 dorsal-fin spines are relatively short [10th dorsal fin spine 6.2-8.0 (7.2) % of SL, 11th (penultimate) dorsal-fin spine 5.1-6.4 (5.8) % of SL, 12th (posteriormost) dorsal-fin spine 5.5-7.5 (6.4) % of SL in 10.0-19.0 cm SL specimens] [5.8-14.5 (7.9) % of SL, 4.3-10.6 (6.4) % of SL and 4.7-9.6 (6.7) % of SL, respectively, in all examined specimens]; 2nd to 4th anal-fin spines are relatively short [2nd anal-fin spine length 5.1-6.7 (5.6) % of SL, 3rd anal-fin

spine length 12.9-15.8 (14.2) % of SL, 4th anal-fin spine length 10.5-13.4 (11.8) % of SL in 10.0-19.0 cm SL specimens] [4.1-9.0 (5.9) % of SL, 11.2-19.0 (14.3) % of SL and 9.2-14.3 (11.6) % of SL, respectively, in all examined specimens]; with a relatively long caudal peduncle, length 10.5-13.3 (12.1) % of SL in 10.0–19.0 cm SL specimens [10.5-14.1 (12.1) % of SL in all examined specimens]; the last dorsal-fin spine is fused to the 1st dorsal-fin soft ray, separation between spine and ray about half that between bases of former and penultimate dorsal-fin spine; 1st body scale row usually below 2nd dorsal-fin spine base (86%), rarely between bases of 1st and 2nd dorsal-fin spines (12%) or 1st dorsal fin spine base (2%); ventral portion of the maxilla is not expanded ventrally, even in large specimens; body scales are with relatively few well-developed, widely separated spinules and a relatively high number of less developed (young) spinules in large specimens > ca. 10.0 cm SL. Colouration: no white bands or spots laterally on body (occasionally white spots in specimens < 10.0 cm SL); a dark red blotch on uppermost part of pectoral-fin base (Ref. 119380).