This species is distinguished by the following characters: elongated middle pectoral rays; nasal spines absent; relatively long dorsal spines, longest is 3.2-3.3 in HL; relatively deep bodied, greatest depth 3.1-3.2 in SL; vertical scale rows 32; longitudinal scale rows above lateral line 5, below lateral line 12, vertebrae 25; D XIII,8; A III,5; pectoral rays 15. Colour in life generally blotchy reddish with scattered brown spots and streaks; dorsal fin with large reddish vertically elongate patches along the base and the red distal tips on the spinous portion, continuous with red stripe across middle of soft portion; a row of reddish spots along the outer margin of soft dorsal fin; caudal fin with a red base and about 4 irregular red bars; large red spots scattered on anal fin; translucent pectoral fin with faint reddish spot and pelvic fins whitish (Ref. 90102).