Diagnosis: Dorsal rays VII,9; anal rays 11,14-16 (usually 15); pectoral rays 13-14 (usually 14). Lateral-line scales 25 + 3. Median predorsal scales 6-7. Gill rakers 5-6 + 15-16. Body depth 2.4-3.3 in SL, and body width 2.1-2.8 in the depth. Eye diameter 2.85-3.3 in head length> First dorsal spine 1.4-2.4 in second spine; second dorsal spine 2.5-3.2, and third dorsal spine 2.4-3.3, in head length; spine of second dorsal fin 2.2-2.7, and second anal spine 2.3-3.0, in head length; pelvic-fin length 4.5-5.1, and caudal-peduncle length 4.45.7 in SL. Distance from insertion of pelvic spine to anal-fin origin 4.2-5.9 in SL. Preopercular ridge smooth with a small flat spine at angle; the preopercular edge fully serrate; posterior edge of maxilla indented. Scaly sheath along anal-fin base moderately developed (Ref. 54391).

Description: Color translucent gray with a small black spot at midbase of caudal fin, two narrow dusky orange bars on opercle; and a broad black stripe on side of snout, edged in iridescent blue-green lines that continue to iris of eye (Ref. 41635).