This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI + I,8; A I,8; pectoral-fin rays modally 14, central 8 to 12 rays branched; body scales reaching to above upper end of pectoral-fin base or posterior end of opercle, longitudinal scale series 34-45; transverse scale rows 8-10; elongated body, its depth at anus 11-15% SL; head width slightly greater than head depth; short snout, 26-33% HL; eye 25-31% HL; slightly protruding upper jaw; gill opening extending forward to a vertical at or slightly beyond posterior edge of preopercle; absence of recurved canine teeth on mid-side of lower jaw; truncate caudal fin; pelvic disc is round and cup-like; each pelvic spine flattened to a lobe and joined to frenum, with a wide anteriorly-directed pocket; colour when alive pinkish gray, with a broad, blotchy, orange-red stripe extending posteriorly from ventral two-thirds of eye, narrowing posterior to abdomen, and continuing to base of caudal fin; the upper lip and snout are blotchy orange-red; translucent fins with pale pink rays; iris maroon with a narrow yellow ring around

deep green pupil (Ref. 94797).