This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: D X,17-18 (mode 17); pectoral-fin rays 13-14 (13), all are branched except for uppermost ray simple; principal caudal-fin rays 9 + 8; lateral line complete, pored scales 35-36 (35); scale rows above and below lateral line 5-5 and 16-17 (17), respectively; diagonal rows of large scales on cheek between eye and corner of preopercle 6-7 (6) ; circumpeduncular scales 15; rows of large predorsal scales ca. 8, single row of small scales extending to posterior two-thirds of interorbital area, tip not reaching line through posterior nostrils; body deep, depth at pelvic-fin origin 37.8-40.7 % (mean 39.1 %) of SL, greatest depth 39.6-42. 2 % (41.2 %) of SL; third dorsal-fin spine longest, its length 36.5-45.9 %

(41.9%) of body depth at pelvic-fin origin (BDP); anal-fin soft rays short, its longest ray length 47.9-59.1 % (53.5 %) of BDP; without scales on chin, branchiostegal membranes, infraorbital bones, maxilla, mandibles or snout; posterior margin of preopercle is serrated, ventral margin with 2 antrorse spines; short flaps at tips of second and third dorsal-fin spines. Colouration: three large orange-red saddles on dorsal edge of body; one orange-red stripe on posterior four-fifths of lateral body,saddles and stripe well-separated when fresh (Ref. 132445).