This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI+I,9-11 (usually 10); A I,9-11 (usually 10); first dorsal-fin spine is not produced into filament in either sex; no pelvic frenum nor head pores; posterior longitudinal scale 17-22, usually extending forward to at least level of second-dorsal-fin origin, body anterior to level of middle of second dorsal fin with numerous scales; body depth at pelvic-fin origin 12.8-16.4% in SL; colour in life translucent with reddish-brown markings consisting of 8-12 widely separated small spots or short irregular bars along dorsal profile of body, an interrupted stripe from upper rear edge of opercle to upper caudal peduncle (each segment progressively shorter with increasingly wider space between, proceeding posteriorly) and a longitudinal row of about 9 irregular brown blotches along ventral portion of side; adult male with both dorsal fins with distinctive basal red or red-edged black stripe and anal fin with bold black outer margin (Ref. 116128).