This species is distinguished by the following characters: with a scaled predorsal midline; first dorsal fin with an elongated second spine (to middle of second dorsal fin or farther when abducted); fifth pelvic-fin ray with one dichotomous branch point; branched pectoral-fin rays 6-9; anal-fin rays 8 or 9; bony interorbital 30-42% pupil width with posterolateral trench not reaching papilla 'p' 6; opercular scales absent (1 with 1), and cheek row c with 6 papillae. Colouration: body pale pink to off-white when freshly collected, scale pockets outlined with chromatophores, dorsum with about 7 red to yellow saddles, with ventral counterparts along anal-fin base and onto caudal peduncle, and when preserved, head and body pale straw-colored (Ref. 128698).