This species is distinguished by the following characters: D III + XII-XIV (usually XIII) + 10-11; A I, 20-21; pectoral rays 13-14: 3-4 + 3-4 + 6-7 (usually 14:4+3+6). LL, pored scales 12, notched scales 25-28, starting at 2 scale rows below the end of the pored series; total lateral scales 29-30; transverse scales 2/4; nape and abdomen scaleless, dorsal and anal fin bases also without scales. Body depth 5.3-6.0 in SL. Head 3.6-3.9 in SL; eyes large, diameter 3.0-3.4 in head length; supraorbital/orbital cirrus small, lobate; supratemporal sensory canal U-shaped; dentary pores 2+2+2. Male first dorsal fin (sometimes more than twice) higher than second; equal in height in females. Key features are: first dorsal fin very tall; body translucent; first dorsal fin yellow; male chest and pelvic fins black, mouth corners red, eye spots deep blue below the eyes; females eye stripe brown below, pectoral-fin base also with brown stripe (Ref. 57774, 88983).