This species is distinguished by the following characters: D V,22-23 (rarely 22); A I,18-19 (rarely 18); pectoral-fin rays 19-22 (modally 21, rarely 19 or 22); fifth dorsal-fin spine longest, pelvic-fin tips reaching from just posterior to vent to base of second anal-fin ray; lateral-line scales 50-57 (usually 52 or 53); gill rakers 5-7 + 8-10 = 13-16 (modally 14); predorsal scales 14-16, scales ctenoid, extending forward to posterior part of interorbital region; cheek scales large and ctenoid, in about 12 horizontal rows posterior to tip of maxilla; canine teeth 6 in outer row at front of lower jaw; vomer with 2-3 rows of robust conical teeth; palatines with 1-2 rows of small teeth; angle of subopercle usually with 6-8 feeble, close-set spinules; hind margin of preopercle entire; vertebrae count abdominal 10, caudal 22. Colouration: 5 narrow slightly oblique dark bars across upper body and a dark spot dorsally on the caudal-fin base (Ref. 117414).