This species is distinguished by the following characters: D V, 21-22; A I, 17-18; pectoral-fin rays 17-18; lateral-line scales about 53; gill rakers 8-9 + 12-14 = 21-22; predorsal scales 8; cycloid scales on cheek; canine teeth 6 in outer row at front of lower jaw; vomer with 2 rows of robust conical teeth; palatines edentate margin of preopercle serrated; angle of subopercle have several spinules, margin entire; vertebrae: 10 abdominal and 20-21 caudal; pelvic fins reaching between vent and anal-fin origin; colouration includes a series of 6-7 irregular dusky double blotches along sides, upper lip red, occipital and postorbital regions with about 6 dark brown spots, none in interorbital region, a dusky bar extending from tip of maxilla osteroventrally to anteroventral margin of preopercle, soft dorsal-fin base with series of about 8 small black blotches, caudal-fin base with pair of dusky blotches, the latter extending posteriorly as dusky streaks, medial portion of caudal fin semitransparent and unmarked (Ref. 116166).