This species is characterized by the following features: D VII - I,9; A II, 8; pectoral rays 14; 24 lateral-line scales; 4 predorsal scales; gill rakers 7 +17-18; finely serrate preopercular edge; slightly irregular preopercular ridge; body depth 3.2-3.45 in SL; alcohol preserved color is yellowish white, the scales on and above lateral line with a dusky blotch; oblique dusky lines on head, a dusky line near base of second dorsal fin; color when alive is yellow, shading to pale red posteriorly on caudal peduncle and caudal-fin base, fine blue markings anterodorsally on body, mostly on scale edges, head with 5 blue lines, the median dorsal and uppermost on each side bifurcating, two passing through eye, and a faint fifth across cheek, light red caudal fin light, remaining fins yellow, the second dorsal with a dusky blue line above base (Ref. 78069).