This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI-I,10-12, with fourth dorsal-fin spine filamentous, reaching base of about fifth to seventh segmented dorsal-fin ray when adpressed; A I,11; pectoral-fin rays 16-18; lateral scales 35-37; transverse scales 10; body scales mostly ctenoid, except with cycloid scales anterior to level of about second dorsal-fin origin, on pectoral-fin base, prepelvic region, and lower side between pectoral and pelvic fins; no scales on head, including medially and anteriorly on predorsal region; caudal fin lanceolate with an elongate median filament. Colour in life is light neon blue with wavy yellow-orange stripe from upper operculum to upper caudal-fin base; with prominent yellow-orange bars, bands, and spots on head and upper sides; a pair of yellow stripes on the second dorsal fin; yellow streaks and bands on caudal fin (Ref. 122681).