This is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: scales on predorsal area small cycloid, 8-17 scales on predorsal midline; pectoral-fin rays 20-23; longitudinal scales 28-35; vertebrae 10 + 16 = 26; males with a low first dorsal fin, not extending posteriorly to origin of second dorsal fi n when adpressed; third spine of the first dorsal fin longest; posterior oculoscapular canal is usually absent; preopercular canal usually present with two terminal pores; sensory-papillae rows on cheek arranged longitudinally, with no transverse rows; anterior part of first dorsal fin with no dark large circle or quadrangle dusky markings (spotsor blotches); absence of yellow or orange markings on caudal-fin base when alive or freshly-collected; caudal fin of males with some dark vertical lines, females with some dark vertical lines or rows of dots; lower half of caudal fin in males reddish orange when alive or freshly-collected (Ref. 119678).