This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: a narrow bony interorbital (< 55% pupil width), predorsal midline with 8-9 scales; cycloid scales usually along the upper border of the opercle which may be in up to 3 horizontal rows; 2 (usually cycloid) cheek scales; a very slightly elongate second dorsal spine usually reaching posteriorly to between the base of the spine and the base of the second ray of the second dorsal fin; unbranched pectoral-fin rays; fifth pelvic-fin ray which branches once dichotomously and is 64-85% the length of the fourth ray; a full basal membrane connecting the inner margins of the fifth pelvic fins rays in undamaged specimens; black posterior half of the caudal peduncle with a large white spot dorsally and ventrally just anterior to the procurrent caudal fin rays is unique within the genus (Ref. 96671).