This species is distinguished by the following combination of characters: D IV-VI + I, 14-17; A I,24-26 (usually 24); pectoral rays 14-15 (usually 14); lateral scales 36-37 (usually 37), transverse scales 9-10; predorsal scales 16-18 ( usually 17); circumpeduncular scales 13; total gill rakers on first arch 16-17 (usually 16); total scales covering preoperculum 13-19 (adults with 16-19); adult with 2 separate patches of vomerine teeth; origin of 1st dorsal fin about level with anal-fin origin; greatest body depth of adult male 2.8-3.0 in SL. Colour in life generally olive green to yellowish with faint orange stripe between each horizontal scale row; mid-lateral dark stripe often present, broader and more prominent on posterior half of body; dorsal and anal fins with dark submarginal stripe and pale outer margin; dorsal and ventral margins of caudal fin narrowly blackish (Ref. 119199).