This species is distinguished by the following characters: body depth 2.5-2.9 in SL; poorly developed preopercular spine, reduced or inconspicuous to non-existent in adults (> 12.5 cm TL); total gill rakers in first gill arch 24-26; soft portion of dorsal fin taller than spinous portion, angular posteriorly; pectoral fins shorter than pelvic spine; pelvic fins long, reaching posterior to spinous portion of anal fin; distinctly emarginate caudal fin; scales modified, the posterior field elevated as a separate flange with spinules both on surface and posterior margin; vertical scale rows (dorsal-fin origin to anus) 48-57; swimbladder with pair of anterior and posterior protrusions. Colour of body entirely red or capable of quickly changing to silvery with about 6 red bars or large spots on upper side (dusky spots evident on dorsal and anal fin in blotchy or barred fish); membranes of caudal and pelvic fins blackish distally (Ref. 54980, 68288, 90102).