This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI + I,15-17 (first 2 dorsal-fin spines filiform, elongate, remaining progressively shorter); A I,15-17; pectoral-fin rays 16-18; united pelvic fins, frenum absent; rounded caudal fin; scale in series, longitudinal 55-61 and transverse 17-19; interorbital wide, 75-100 % of eye diameter; rear margin of upper jaw ending at vertical through anterior margin of eye or slightly behind; scales ctenoid posteriorly, becoming cycloid anteriorly between first dorsal fin and pectoral fin, at axil of pectoral fin, on nape and entire belly; predorsal scales 24-26; scales do not reach level of the posterior edge of the eye on predorsal area, ending at the level of pore G; naked cheek and opercle, in some specimens with a few cycloid scales in upper part; scales cover the basal 1/4-1/6 of the caudal fin, becoming rapidly smaller and cycloid; prepectoral area with about 5-9 vertical series of fine cycloid scales which cover the entire base of the pectoral fin; prepelvic area with cycloid scales, 11-16 in the midventral row (Ref. 119548). Colour of body charcoal grey with 5 dark-edged orange to reddish stripes; upper back with a row of white spots; yellow-edged black spot on second dorsal fin; upper caudal fin base with black spot (Ref. 90102).