This species is characterized by the following: dorsal spine a little elongated or not; presence of a basal membrane between the pelvic fins; absence of predorsal scales; an interorbital but no postorbital trench; absence of cheek and opercular scales; fifth pelvic fin ray branched sequentially once or twice and, uniquely among known species of Trimma, has a bilateral, pupil-sized black spot on the branchiostegal membrane; live individuals with red spots, a little smaller than the pupil diameter on the head and nape, the posterior half of body has 3 yellow stripes separated by 2 grey stripes, and the black spots on the branchiostegal membranes are ocellated with white or blue (Ref. 58123).