This species is distinguished by the following characters: pectoral fin base with a faint blackish spot; pored lateral-line scales 56-64 (Andaman Sea 52-58; Pacific 51-62); scale rows above lateral line 4.5-6.5 (usually 5.5; Andaman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, 4.5-5.5, usually 4.5); circumpeduncular scales 14-18 (usually 16); outer edge of anal fin with a distinct blackish band (rarely faint or only anterior half prominent; usually none in Pacific); posterior edge of caudal fin with a blackish band (caudal fin whole yellowish in Andaman Sea); upper-jaw length 14.2-15.6% SL; body depth 41.4-45.4% SL. Individuals in the Pacific are distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: ctenoid and deciduous scales are thin and semicircular in shape; 51-62 pored lateral-line scales; 4.5-5.5 (usually 4.5) scale rows above lateral line; pectoral fin base with a faint blackish spot; anal fin usually have no blackish outer margin; anal fin base with a dusky band (Ref. 95675).