This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: D1 VI , D2 I,9, with first two spines filamentous; A I,8; pelvic fins relatively short, with longest rays falling well short of anal opening; segmented pelvic-fin rays are branched; pelvic-fin membrane and frenum fully developed; longitudinal scales 26; cephalic sensory pores include nasal pores (NA), anterior (AITO) and posterior (PITO) interorbital pores, supraotic pores (SOT), anterior otic pores (AOT), and upper and lower preopercular pores (POP). Colour in life generally semi-translucent pale brown with orange hue imparted by narrow orange margins of body scales; the first dorsal fin translucent yellowish, except elevated first two spines whitish; second dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are slightly yellowish with small orange-to-reddish spots; pelvic fins pale pinkish; pectoral fins translucent with pair of large brown spots separated by a narrow white band on base (Ref. 121769).