This species is distinguished by the following characters: first dorsal fin with a large (slightly greater than pupil diameter in width) round, black, ocellated spot in between spines 1 and 5; a second, much smaller black or dark red spot just posterior to the spine of the second dorsal fin and above the basal stripe; body yellow with a dark purplish or gray head with two distinct red bars across the cheek; without round spots of any colour on the nape, opercle or cheek; upper pectoral fin base with a small dark (preserved) or white (alive) spot; a narrow bony interorbital (<70% pupil diameter); first dorsal fin without elongated spines; pectoral fin rays 15-16, with the middle 4-8 rays branched; fifth pelvic fin ray with a single dichotomous branch; total gill rakers on the first gill arch 16-17 (Ref. 102609).