This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI-I,10, no elongated dorsal-fin spine, the longest 1.0-1.3 in HL; A I,10; pectoral-fin rays 17-18 (usually17); lateral scale series 78-84; entirely with cycloid scales, none on cheek, opercle, predorsal, and pectoral-fin base; gill opening extending to about the level of posterior edge of preopercle; caudal fin rounded, about equal to head length or 3.2-3.6 in SL; pattern of cephalic sensory-canal pores consisting of B’, C, D, E, F, G, H’, M’, N and O’ pores; gill rakers poorly developed, 2 + 4-6. Colouration: when alive, overall whitish with midlateral row of 4 large, ovate, brown spots, 5 or 6 diagonal yellow-orange bands on first dorsal fin, a brown stripe along middle of second dorsal fin; anal fin with several yellow-orange stripes; pelvic fins bluish with yellow fin rays (Ref. 31301).