This species is distinguished by the following characters: upper body with 5 vertical transverse bars, each extending laterally to lower two-thirds of body; D V, 23, with the spines becoming progressively longer posteriorly, and the last spine entirely connected to first dorsal-fin ray by membrane; A 1,19; entire body covered by ctenoid scales, except for those on chest; predorsal scales extending forward to vertical from preopercle; generally 4 pairs of canine teeth anteriorly in lower jaw; 2 rows of stout palatine teeth, those on outer row larger than inner; vomer with triangular patch of stout teeth; pelvic fin when appressed not reaching anus (Ref. 90385).