Golden in color with dark spot around gill opening (Ref. 3257). May also be variable from brown to bright golden yellow and eye with deep blue color (Ref. 48635). Has short conical teeth like those of G. fuscomaculatus and G. marshallensis (Ref. 37816). Further characterized by body depth at gill opening 13-20 in TL; origin of dorsal fin about midway between gill opening and corner of mouth; anus anterior to middle of body; small and stout teeth; without canines; single row of teeth at front of upper jaw; with 1-2 median teeth; teeth in two rows on each side of upper jaw; longer and more slender inner row teeth; larger teeth at front of lower jaw (Ref. 90102).