This species is distinguished by the following characters: D V,20–21 (usually 21) with fourth dorsal-fin spine longest; A I,17; pectoral-fin rays 16-18 (usually 17); lateral-line scales 51-53 (modally 52); gill rakers 4-6 + 8-11 = 12-16 (modally 14); predorsal cycloid scales 8-9, almost reaching vertical from hind margin of preopercle; cycloid scales on cheek, extending forward just beyond tip of maxilla, to vertical from anterior margin of pupil to middle of eye; canine teeth 6 in outer row at front of lower jaw; vomer with single row of 6-10 robust conical teeth; palatines no teeth; angle of subopercle is smooth, or with several minute serrae; vertebrae, abdominal 10, caudal 20; pelvic fin tip reaching from just posterior to vent to base of second anal-fin ray. Colouration: 5 broad poorly-defined reddish wedge-shaped saddles across sides; longitudinal series of large irregular yellowish blotches on lower sides from pec toral-fin base through base of saddles to caudal peduncle; soft dorsal fin with row of red spots along proximal quarter of fin, 6-7 of spots with black centres still visible in preservative; caudal fin with large irregular red blotches on its base, followed by smaller red blotches and scattered smaller red spots around centre and rear of fin (Ref. 117414).