This species is distinguished by the following characters: pectoral-fin rays 15-16; body is relatively slender (depth at pelvic-fin origin 16.6-19.0% of SL); trunk is relatively longer (pre-dorsal length 37.7-40.1% of SL; preanal length 56.1-59.5% of SL; pre-anal-fin length 60.3-64.5% of SL; length of second dorsal-fin base 24.8-28.3% of SL; length of anal-fin base 20.0-23.1% of SL). Colouration: one dark brown, broad transverse band on posterior half of the body; pectoral fin with a large, obvious black patch on the upper part extending nearly to the distal tip of fin; larger males with isthmus and gular region dark brown, but usually cream or white in females and smaller males; pelvic fin with many melanophores in larger males, but with few or no melanophores in females and smaller males (Ref. 125666).