This species is distinguished by the following characters: 3½ scale rows above lateral line to base of middle dorsal-fin spines; spineless at anterior end of nasal bones of adults or subadults; D XII,13; longest dorsal-fin spine 1.9-2.3 in HL; last dorsal-fin spine slightly shorter than or equal to penultimate spine; pectoral-fin rays 16-17; height of second infraorbital (below eye center) 3.71-5.42 in eye diameter; prepelvic scales 10-11; gill rakers 6-7 + 11-13; caudal peduncle depth 4.7-4.9 in HL; dorsal profile of head slightly convex; lateral-line scales 28-29 (mostly 29); preopercular scale rows 5; body depth 2.04-2.72 in SL; head length 2.41-2.49 in SL; short snout, 5.40-6.41 in HL; least depth of caudal peduncle 4.70-4.92 in HL; colour when fresh uniformly light red (Ref. 114923).