This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters (with modal values given in parentheses): pectoral-fin rays 15-16 (15); pored lateral-line scales 42-44 (43); scale rows in longitudinal series 42-46 (45) and between lateral line and base of 6th dorsal-fin spine 4 (3 full-sized size plus 1 half-sized); interorbital scales extending from the mid-orbit level to anterior margin of orbit; scales on ventral surface of the lower jaw extending anteriorly onto posterior portion of dentary. Colouration: head and body pinkish to reddish; with a longitudinal yellow stripe from snout (crossing eye) extending to caudal fn base; caudal fin upper lobe yellowish, lower lobe reddish, with several light bands on central portion and several small reddish (brownish when preserved) blotches on dorsal margin near base (Ref. 123213).