Distinguished by the following characteristics: small, less than 3 cm SL when adult; indistinct lateral dark speckling and dorsal saddles; scale margins narrowly outlined with dark brown; bright pale blue flecks and spots over brown markings on head, body and fins; first dorsal fin pointed, first spine elongate and pale-coloured in males; first or second spine longest in females but never elongate; second dorsal rays I,7; anal rays I,6; pectoral rays 16-17; longitudinal scales 20-25; TRB 7-10; predorsal scales 6-10; circumpeduncular scales 12 (Ref. 84480).