This species is distinguished by the following characters: D V,21, fifth dorsal-fin spine longest; ; A I,17; pectoral-fin rays 19-20 (usually 19); lateral-line scales 55-58 (modally 57); gill rakers 5-7 + 11-12 = 16-18 (modally 17); ctenoid predorsal scales 10-12, extending forward to or just anterior to vertical from upper corner of preopercle; ctenoid scales on cheek, except for some small cycloid scales anteriorly near lower margin of suborbital region, extending forward to tip of maxilla in adults, slightly further forward in juveniles; canine teeth 10 in outer row at front of lower jaw; vomer in adults with 3 rows of robust conical teeth (2 rows in some juveniles); no palatine teeth; hind margin of preopercle usually entire, angle with 2-4 low blunt serrations in adults, and more robust pointed spines in some juveniles; angle of subopercle with single broad, flattened spine; vertebrae, abdominal 10; caudal 19; adults with pelvic fins reaching vent, slightly beyond vent in juveniles. Colouration: pale brownish pink, with broad diffuse dusky bar from lower margin of eye across the suborbital region, three broad diffuse dusky bands across the body and caudal-fin base, the first on soft dorsal fin below base of dorsal-fin rays 6-11, second below base of dorsal-fin rays 15-19, third from posterior portion of caudal peduncle extending onto caudal-fin base; bands are distinct in juveniles, becoming more faint with growth; juveniles with large black blotch in lower half of soft dorsal fin between rays 6-9 and 16-18; anal fin black, the pigmentation on fins reducing with growth, faint or absent in large specimen (Ref. 117414).