Pale red in color with edges of the scales darker red; a narrow darker red stripe between scale rows of the body; pelvis and spinous dorsal fines red. 4-5 oblique rows of scales on cheek. Body depth 2.5-2.8 in SL; head length 2.5-2.7 in SL; short snout, 4.25-4.85 in head length; interorbital width 4.75-5.0 in head length; lower jaw slightly inferior. Maxilla extending to between verticals at anterior edge of the iris and slightly posterior to center of the eye, upper jaw length 2.5-2.8 in head length; rounded anterior end of nasal bone; moderately large nasal fossa spineless; retrorse spine on nasal bone between the nasal fossa and edge of premaxillary groove; median edge of nasal bone (premaxillary groove margin) with a small recumbent retrorse spine; preopercular spine, 1.5-1.9 in orbit diameter; posterior edge of preopercle with unequal spinules, some 3-4 times longer than adjacent spines, and few in number (21-23, 6.75-7.2 cm SL); longest dorsal spines, 1.85-2.25 in head length; third anal spine 1.6-1.9 in head length. Rounded caudal fin lobes (Ref. 27370).