This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: D V,23 with spines larger posteriorly; A I,19-20 (modally 19); pectoral-fin rays 18; lateral-line scales 60-61, median predorsal scales 9-10; opercular spines 2; moderate eye with eye/head length as 36.1-38.8% (mean 37.7%); mouth somewhat large with mouth/head length 34.7-35.2% (mean 35.1%); mandibular pores 3+2+3. Colouration: body with dorsally 2/3 region generally creamy yellow and about 11-12 crossing yellow stripes below mid-lateral body; spiny dorsal fin region is pale; upper jaw mostly yellow; pectoral fin with a cluster of black marks dorsally; caudal fin uniformly yellow in lower half with about 4 vertical yellow lines, its upper base bears a large deep black blotch (Ref. 94988).