This species is distinguished by the following characters: with mouth closed, the anterior tip of lower jaw protruding significantly beyond upper jaw in larger males (> 4.0 cm SL); pectoral fin rays, 18-20 rays (usually 19); D2 and A 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 posterior margin of preopercle; longitudinal scales 31-34; predorsal scales 11-17; cephalic sensory pore system usually with B´, C, D(S), E, F, H´, K´, L´, M´, N, and O´; cheek with four longitudinal rows of cutaneous sensory papillae and no transverse row. Colouration: when alive, cheek of males with 2 broad, diagonally downward orange stripes, and 1 or 2 large orange spot(s); thinner and reddish-brown or grey similar markings in females (Ref. 132587).