Diagnosis: A small, deep-bodied species with a narrow head and small strong jaws (Ref. 118638). Often appearing a rich deep yellow with wide dark brown bands, and red/orange fin margins; mature adults are very dark with prominent black stripes and a patch of scarlet scales behind the head (Ref. 118638).

Description: Moderately deep-bodied; head small; frontal profile rounded to steep; caudal fin rounded (Ref. 52307).

Colouration: Body grayish-brown to bronze; sometimes with 7-8 dark vertical bars, more prominent in dorsal body parts, may be visible; dorsal fin often reddish-brown with an iridescent bluish flush in its upper parts and outlined in red, and some dark stripes in soft portion; caudal fin essentially unmarked, although in males there may occasionally be some bluish spots; outermost region anal fin fairly dark, with some pale spots at its base; pelvic fin rays may become moderately elongated and have a pale reddish-brown anterior edge (Ref. 52307).