A species of Upeneus with the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin rays VII + 9, first dorsal-fin spine longest; pectoral-fin rays 13–15 (usually 14); gill rakers 6 or 7 (mode 6) + 16–18 (17) = 22–25 (23); pored lateral-line scales 28–30 (29); no teeth on ectopterygoids; maximum body depth 20.9–24.7% SL (mean 22.7%); maximum head depth 18.0–20.6% SL (19.2%); barbel width 6.0–7.8% HL (7.0%); barbels white; a distinct reddish brown stripe from tip of snout to caudal-fin base through eye in life and fresh specimens; first dorsal fin with 4 irregular white bands in life, 4–6 irregular reddish brown bands (retained as dark bands in preserved specimens) and 4–6 white bands in fresh specimens; upper caudal-fin lobe pale white with 5–7 reddish brown bands (retained as dark bands in preserved specimens) and 5–9 irregular pure white bands in life and fresh specimens; lower caudal-fin lobe reddish with 5–9 short red bands (retained as dark bands in preserved specimens) and 5–9 short white bands or spots along ventral margin in life and fresh specimens (Ref. 88711).