This species is distinguished by the following characters: D X,16; A III,7; pectoral rays 19--21 (rarely 21); lateral-line scales 51-59; gill rakers 9 + 23-24; body depth 23.8-25.3% SL; head length 28.5-30.6% HL; snout length 6.8-7.4% SL; longest dorsal spine of mature males 28.7-31.3% SL; caudal fin of mature males 31.8-35.8% SL; absence of black band in soft portion of dorsal fin; a series of indistinct dark bars of unequal width in middle third of standard length, none with pale margins; in life, colour light red with scale centres pale, dark bars reddish brown; an oblique, pale-edged, brownish orange band from snout through eye and across cheek; pelvic fins black with red rays; colour of remaining fins pink to yellowish (Ref. 90856).