This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI-I,11; A I,11; pectoral-fin rays 17; scales in longitudinal series 52-54; no scales on head, pectoral-fin base, and prepelvic region; body with cycloid scales anteriorly, becoming ctenoid posteriorly; no preopercular sensory canal and pores; gill opening extending forward to a vertical at posterior edge of preopercle; the first four dorsal-fin spines with short, filamentous tips; lanceolate caudal fin, longer than head, 2.3-2.7 in SL; distinct sexual dichromatism, male characterized by 5 brown saddles on back, 7 orange-brown bars on ventral half of body from level of dorsal-fin origin to base of last anal ray, prominent black bar present across outer two thirds of last two anal-fin rays, pale yellow pelvic fins with bright yellow spots; male and female with mid-lateral row of alternating large and small rectangular blotches within pair of thin stripes from the pectoral fin to caudal-fin base; females generally with darker brown markings on body and more ornate fins, consisting of variable dark stripes or blotches on dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins (Ref. 116711).