This species is distinguished by the following characters: D IX,11; A III,12; pectoral-fin rays 13-14; lateral-line scales 27 (+1 on tail) and 1.5 scales above anterior lateral line to dorsal-fin base; scaleless head; gill rakers 14; a pair of large, forward projecting canine teeth anteriorly in each jaw, the lowers fitting between uppers when mouth is closed; few irregular short pointed but flattened teeth on each side of upper and lower jaws, absence of canine posteriorly at corner of mouth; very elongate body, depth 5.65 - 5.75 in SL; slightly compressed, its body width 1.4 - 1.55 in depth; caudal fin slightly rounded; terminal-phase male in life with yellow-green head and body, prominent jagged-edged iridescent blue stripes 2 along sides of body, a yellow spinous dorsal fin and a large black spot at base of mid-dorsal fin, caudal fin mostly black (Ref. 102105).