Diagnosis: Rays: dorsal VI + I,9; anal II,14-16 (rarely 13 or 17); pectoral rays 13-14 (rarely 12). Gill rakers 5-7 + 14-17 (total, 19-23). Lateral-line scales 25+3-4 (rarely 27 or 30). Median predorsal scales 6-7 (rarely 5). Body depth 2.5-2.8 in SL; body width 2.3-2.65 in body depth; eye diameter 2.7-3.2 in head length; first dorsal spine 1.5-1.9 in second spine; second dorsal spine 2.35-3.0, and third dorsal spine 2.35-3.1 in head length; spine of second dorsal fin 2.2-2.6, and second anal spine 2.5-3.1 in head length; pelvic-fin length 4.5-5.1; caudal-peduncle length 4.5-5.4 in SL. Distance from insertion of pelvic spine to anal-fin origin 4.1-5.5 in SL Preopercular edge serrate. Scaly sheath along anal-fin base moderately developed (Ref. 54391).

Some geographical variations. Usually a black band below second dorsal fin, but highly variable in width and may fade to barely a trace, or is completely absent. In Japanese and Indian Ocean populations, the band is usually narrow and often absent. Best identified by the two vertical orange stripes over gills and distinctive black peduncular spot (Ref. 48635).