Diagnosis: 12-16 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; 2-3 rows of teeth in both jaws; lachrymal depth less than 18.2% SL (Ref. 81260). Pattern of dark blotches on body (Ref. 47112).

Description: elongate, gracile (body depth 28.7-35.0%, mean 32.6% SL); snout prominent, acute, narrow lachrymal depth (17.0-18.2%, mean 17.6% HL); predorsal profile smoothly convex; mouth moderately large, lower jaw more or less horizontally oriented (Ref. 81260). Premaxilla with 2, dentary with 2-3 rows of unicuspid teeth; lachrymal with 5 pores (Ref. 47112). Caudal peduncle relatively long, either deeper than long or longer than deep; 7-9 (median 8) tuberculate hypobranchial and ceratobranchial rakers, 3-7 (median 6) lanceolate epibranchial rakers (Ref. 81260). Dorsal fin base 49.0-54.8% SL (Ref. 47112). 1st ray of pelvic fin longest in both sexes, more so in males (Ref. 81260), with tips reaching or overlapping parts of the anal fin (Ref. 47112). Some dorsal and anal fin rays elongated, caudal rounded in both sexes; 1.5-2.5 scale rows between 8th pored scale of upper lateral line and dorsal fin base (Ref. 81260). Scales cycloid; 3 scale rows on cheek, 2 horizontal rows on operculum; dark scaleless spot on outer edge of operculum (Ref. 47112).

Coloration: body pale brown, paler ventrally; body scales in males darkly marginated; cheek, opercle and often also anterior part of body and flanks with yellow or turquoise flush (Ref. 52307, 81260). 2 rows of dark spots and blotches usually present on flanks (Ref. 47112, 523.07, 81260). 1 row of 4-5 small spots, 1st more or less at highest point of upper lateral line and others directly below dorsal fin base, 2nd row with large ovoid blotch at mid-body and another large ovoid blotch at base of caudal peduncle, some smaller spots between larger ones sometimes visible (Ref. 81260). Soft dorsal, anal and upper half of caudal in males with rows of small red maculae that are never present in females; posterior 2/3 of dorsal fin and often also upper parts of caudal fin with a yellow or silvery iridescent coloration in females (Ref. 52307, 81260). Dorsal fin and upper part of caudal with a red margin in both sexes (Ref. 81260).