This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: D V,23; A I,19; pectoral-fin rays 19-21 (modally 19); lateral-line scales 57-63 (modally 60); gill rakers 5-6 + 8-10 = 13-15 (modally 14); predorsal cycloid scales 9-11; scales ctenoid on cheek (except few anteriorly on preorbital), in about 18 horizontal rows; front of lower jaw wth 6 canine teeth in outer row; vomer with 2 rows of robust conical teeth in adults; palatines with 1-2 rows of small teeth; angle of subopercle smooth, no spinules; vertebrae, abdominal 10 and caudal 22; pelvic fins reaching between vent and the base of second anal-fin ray. Colouration: upper body between spinous dorsal fin and caudal peduncle with 7 broad reddish-brown vertical bands, each band except first and last partially bifurcated into two close-set double bars, and each bar with a black smudge-like spot at its lower end, the membrane of spinous dorsal-fin black (Ref. 116625).