This species is distinguished by the following characters: D XIII,14-15 (usually 15); A II,15; pectoral rays 18; tubed lateral line scales 17-18 (usually 18); total gill rakers 22-24; sub-orbital naked and the margin serrate; posterior edge of pre-orbital with a strong retrorse spine; body depth 1.95-2.1 in SL; longest dorsal spine 1.55-1.65 in HL; second anal spine 1.4-1.5 in HL. Colouration: yellowish brown, scale edges blackish; dull yellow to pale orange spots on opercle and anterior to and above pectoral fin base; two blue lines on side of snout crossing the upper lip; a small vertically elongate deep blue or black spot at the upper end of gill opening, a small black spot at upper pectoral fin base; in adults the ocellus posteriorly in lower half of dorsal fin may be present or absent; caudal fin abruptly yellowish (Ref. 124650).