This species is distinguished from its congeners in having the following set of characters: segmented dorsal-fin rays 11; segmented anal-fin rays 11; longitudinal scales 27; predorsal scales 11; third spine of first dorsal fin elongate, filamentous, and longer than the other spines; fifth and ninth branched caudal-fin rays elongate, filamentous, and forming bifurcate caudal fin; fifth and ninth branched rays each with a single branch; cephalic sensory-papillae row 'a' with 3 widely spaced papillae; numerous small yellow spots scattered on cheek, operculum, nape, body, and dorsal fins in fresh or live individuals; below the eye is a dusky yellowish brown vertical bar; body with 4 dark gray brown saddles, in addition to a similarly colored large blotch at midlateral caudal-fin base (Ref. 55718).