This species is diagnosed using the following characters: D VI-I, 14; A I, 15; pectoral rays 17-18; scales in longitudinal series about 55; scales on head, nape and prepectoral area absent; body elongate, depth 5.55 in SL; orbit diameter 4.05 in HL; third dorsal spine longest, 3.95 in SL; caudal fin long and very pointed, 2.5 in SL; pectoral fins reaching to above origin of anal fin, 3.6 in SL; pelvic fins just reaching anus, 4.9 in SL (Ref. 75899).

Description: Characterized further by pale blue grey color with four narrow brown bars on side; base of caudal fin with broad semicircular bar; three dark-edged vertical yellow lines between each dark bar and two lines before first bar; cheek and opercle with dark-edged orange spots; dark brown blotch on upper part of opercle; united pelvic fins, presence of well developed frenum; cycloid scales covering body anteriorly, ctenoid posteriorly (Ref. 90102).