Diagnosis: 15-17 rakers on first gill arch; 2 large rounded to slightly elongated spots on flanks usually visible, sometimes with 1-2 small dark spots between the large ones; lachrymal depth greater than 22% SL (Ref. 81260). Usually a single row of teeth in both jaws (Ref. 50577, 81260).

Description: relatively robust (body depth 32.8-38.1%, mean 35.2% SL), with smallest adult body size in genus (max. 58.9 mm SL versus 76.7-127.8 mm in congeners); snout long and pointed (lachrymal depth 22.3-25.6%, mean 24.2% HL); usually a single row of teeth in lower jaw of adults (versus 2-3 rows in congeners); caudal peduncle usually longer than deep, only occasionally deeper than long; 9-10 (median 9) tuberculate hypobranchial and ceratobranchial rakers, 6-8 (median 7) lanceolate epibranchial rakers; some dorsal and anal fin rays elongated (Ref. 81260). Caudal rounded in both sexes (Ref. 50577, 81260). 2 scales between 8th pored scale of upper lateral line and dorsal fin base (Ref. 81260).

Coloration: head and body light brown with rosy overlay; 2 rows of dark spots and blotches sometimes visible on flanks; lips, cheeks and opercle often with yellow iridescence; ventral parts of head iridescent silvery colour (Ref. 81260). Some scales on body and caudal peduncle also with silvery colouration (Ref. 52307, 81260). Male with red or orange dorsal fin margin, and a thin, iridescent rosy submarginal band; other parts of fin clear (anterior) to red (posterior); centre of caudal fin rosy or red, upper and lower parts yellow; anal rosy or red, with violet base and dark outer margin; males lack maculation of dorsal, anal and caudal fin membranes; outer edge of pelvic fins dark blue or violet, rest of fin rosy or violet; pelvic fins clear or slightly yellow; body scales darkly marginated; female with white or rosy iridescent coloration in dorsal fin, outermost posterior parts clear or yellow; anal and pelvic fins rosy or violet, with yellowish posterior and dark anterior edge; pectoral fins yellow (Ref. 81260).