Dark brown, scales with yellow spot; pectoral, soft dorsal, anal and caudal fins dark with yellow margins; juveniles yellowish brown with bluish grey spots and blotches (Ref. 4420). Juveniles under about 5 cm, tan with dark saddles and numerous dark wavy lines on the body. Larger juveniles loose the dark saddles and become covered in a network of brilliant blue lines which become increasingly interconnected with growth (Ref. 37816).

Description: Characterized further by having strongly elevated dorsal and anal fins anteriorly; front of eye with deep groove; shallow, horizontal grooves on lower cheek; posterior body without spines; rounded caudal fins in young adults, becoming emarginate in adult, lobes prolonged in large individuals (Ref. 90102).