Recognized by the bluish lower half of the caudal fin and the lack of spots there compared to the upper half (Ref. 48635); characterized further by: generally brown color; head, body and fins with red to dark brown spots; body scales ctenoid, except cycloid scales on nape, thorax and ventrally on abdomen; body with auxiliary scales; elongate body, greatest depth 3.0-3.5 in SL; truncate to slightly rounded caudal fin; short pelvic fins, 1.9-2.4 in head length (Ref. 90102); head length 2.4-2.7 times in standard length; interorbital area flat to slightly convex; preopercle angle with 2-9 enlarged serrae, adults with a notch above angle; straight upper edge of operculum; scaly maxilla, reaching to or beyond vertical at rear edge of eye; 2 rows of subequal teeth on midlateral part of lower jaw (Ref. 089707).