This species is distinct in having the following characters: D 13; A 9-10; pectoral rays 13-14; lateral line scales 59-60;; 3½ scales between lateral line and base of dorsal fin; vertebrae 60, predorsal 16-17; peritoneal spots 14; anterior palatine teeth of inner row longer than posterior teeth; preopercle fully scaled; posterior flap of anterior nostril slender and tapering, extending more than 2 posterior-nostril diameters beyond nostrils when laid back; body depth 7.2-7.35 in SL; pectoral fins reaching posterior to a line connecting dorsal- and pelvic-fin origins, fin length 2.15-2.25 in HL; alcohol preserved color pale yellowish; body color when fresh white, with 8 light red bars, each with 3 constrictions (uppermost obscure in direct side view), even-numbered bars much more distinct; broad parts of each red bar with a pale yellow spot; space between second constricted area of each bar with a pale bluish arc with a width nearly that of pupil (Ref. 80927).