This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: D XIII,10-12 (usually 11); A II, 12-13 (rarely 13); pectoral-fin rays 14-15 (rarely 14); gill rakers on first branchial arch 9-10 + 19-22 = 30-33; tubed lateral-line scales 12-15 (usually 15); preorbital+suborbital scales 0-6 (mean 2.7). Colouration: when alive the small juveniles are light blue on head, anterodorsal body, and in a streak on upper edge of caudal peduncle, bright yellow on remainder of body; adults are mainly bright yellow with numerous small turquoise spots on head and body (Ref. 106687).