Distinguished from its congeners by the following characters: second dorsal, I, 7-8 (modally 8); anal fin I, 7-8 (modally 8); pectoral fin 15-16 (modally 16); longitudinal scale rows 28-30 (modally 29); vertebral count modally 27; coloration pattern: cheek with 3 very thin, oblique blackish brown stripes in males; a vertical deep brown infraorbital line anteriorly below orbit and extending to upper lip; pectoral fin base with horizontal bar; branchiostegal membranes with 9-12 orange-red spots (light grayish when preserved); caudal fin with 4-6 rows of vertical deep brown lines or spots (Ref. 57935).