This species is distinguished by the following characters: Dorsal-fin rays IV,23; anal-fin rays I,19; pectoral-fin rays 19; lateral-line scales 53-57; gill rakers 4-6+8-10; predorsal scales 10-11; ctenoid scales on cheek, in about 9 horizontal rows below middle of eye; 6 canine teeth in outer row at front of lower jaw; vomer with a crescentic outer row of 6-7 robust conical teeth and several smaller teeth behind; palatines with a single row of about 7 robust conical teeth; angle of subopercle produced, with several feeble spinules; 9-10 abdominal and 22-23 caudal vertebrae; the head and body colored pink, with 6 narrow oblique posteroventrally-directed black bars across the back, the first extending to lateral line, and the second to middle of sides, others to lower third of body; a small black spot in upper corner of caudal-fin base; scales above lateral line in area between bars and spot with dusky margins; spinous dorsal fin membrane dusky; upper lip yellowish (Ref. 59349).