This species is distinguished by the following characters: pectoral fin rays 14-16 rays; second dorsal and anal fins usually with one spine and eight soft rays; total vertebrae usually 26; cycloid scales on nape and posterior part of occipital region; scaled area extending anteriorly to about halfway between posterior margins of preopercle and opercle; longitudinal scales 28-31, transverse scales 8-9; predorsal scales 6-11; cephalic sensory pore system usually with B´, C, D(S), E, F, H´, K´, L´, M´, N, and O´. Colouration: longitudinal, reddish-brown or dusky-brown stripes 5 (dotted lines) running from trunk to caudal peduncle both in male and female, fourth (from dorsal) one slightly below lateral midline most distinct and others sometimes unclear; male with 3 parallel, diagonally downward, reddish-brown or dusky brown stripes on ventral part of cheek; opercular membrane, interopercle, and lower part of subopercle of live male specimen light bluish-grey with many red or orange spots (Ref. 132587).