Diagnosis: Seven large regular orange red bars along the side of the body; a dark spot on the lower base of the pectoral fin, and another on the lower peduncle; internal pigmentation on the dorsal surface of the head just behind eyes well-developed but broadly diffused, not forming a discreet bar. Predorsal scales absent. Second dorsal spine slightly to very elongate. A moderate interorbital and variably-developed postorbital trench. The fifth pelvic fin ray is unbranched and 50-70% of the length of the fourth.

Description: Dorsal fins with second spine variable, reaching posteriorly to at least base of first element of second dorsal fin or as far as hypural plate, first ray of the second dorsal fin branched or unbranched, remaining fin rays branched. Anal fin with first ray usually unbranched, remaining rays branched (1 of 27 specimens with all rays unbranched). Pectoral fin reaching posteriorly to between genital papilla and third element of anal fin; uppermost four to seven rays and ventral-most four to eleven rays unbranched, with one to eleven branched rays in between (in two specimens all rays were unbranched). Pelvic with no frenum, basal membrane not more than 10% the length of the fifth pelvic fin ray, first four rays branched sequentially once; fifth ray unbranched, 50-60-70% the length of fourth ray; fourth ray reaching posteriorly to between first and fourth elements of anal fin. Lateral scales 22-24-25 (mean = 24.1, n = 35), anterior transverse scales 5-6-8, (mean = 6.6, n = 33), posterior transverse scales 4-5-7 (mean = 5.6, n = 33). Opercle, cheek and midline of nape scaleless; 3-9 cycloid scales present on pectoral base, cycloid scales present on pelvic base. Gill opening extending anteroventrally to below posterior margin of eye to mid-pupil. Teeth in lower jaw have a short outer row of enlarged, widely spaced canines near the symphysis, irregular inner rows of smaller caniniform teeth and an innermost row of spaced, medium-sized canines. The upper jaw teeth similar to those of the lower jaw but lacking innermost row. Tongue margin truncate or weakly bilobed with a central tip. Gill rakers of the first arch 2-4-5 + 15-18 = 17-22 (mean = 20.6, n = 24). Anterior nasal opening is a narrow tube, posterior nasal opening a wide pore with a raised rim, nasal openings of some specimens located on a raised oval sac (sac not obvious in all specimens); posterior nasal opening not adnate to eye. Bony interorbital 1/3 pupil width; a moderate interorbital trench; postorbital trench absent to well-developed (Ref. 52975).