This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: slender caudal peduncle in males (depth 8-10% SL); size of adipose-fin not sexually dimorphic; numerous black spots on back and flank in adult females; presence of red spots on the body in specimens larger than 200 mm SL; circular black spots on the flank, circular rings around the black spots and black spots approximately equal size or smaller than pupil; grayish background color in life, having lateral line scales 115-121; short maxillary in males 8-10% SL; body depth at dorsal-fin origin 20-23% SL; slender body in males (depth at dorsal-fin origin 20-23% SL, mean 21.3); small adipose-fin in males (depth 4-6% SL, mean 5.1); number of the red spots which does not increase with increasing size in males; grayish background color in life; maxilla slightly reaching beyond eye in males and females; and snout pointed (Ref. 138315).