This species is of moderate-size with cycloid scales on head and pectoral fin base, predorsal midline usually naked, distinct flap present at end of lower lip; body color when alive is whitish with finely speckled dorsum, characteristic vertical oval blackish to dark grey blotch across caudal fin base, two broad ladderlike orange to reddish stripes along body and oblique black curved or comma-shaped mark on top of eye; second dorsal and anal fin rays nearly always I,11; pectoral rays 15-17 (modally 16); lateral scales 25-28 (modally 26); predorsal scales 7-10 (usually 8) (Ref. 92171).