This species is distinguished by the following characters: cephalic sensory-canal pore system lacking only the IT pore (pattern 2); unbranched pectoral-fin rays; dorsal/anal-fin formula is 8-9/7-8; the fifth pelvic-fin is ray 10% of 4th pelvic ray); caudal fin base with a vertical spot, proceeded by a more rounded spot; the lower caudal-fin rays with an elongate dark streak; no wavy vertical

lines crossing caudal fin. when alive, there is a narrow red line running down the lateral midline of the body (Ref. 107299).

Description: the spinous dorsal may be filamentous in males, rarely in females (Ref. 37816); mainly translucent with broad red to brown, internal midlateral stripe from head to base of caudal fin; 3-5 white to yellowish spots posteroventrally above anal-fin base; base of caudal fin with diagnostic black hour-glass shaped mark (Ref. 90102).