This species is distinct in having the following characters: D 12; A 9; pectoral rays 13; 54 lateral line scales; 3½ scales between lateral line and base of dorsal fin; 15 median predorsal scales; 54 total vertebrae; 3 anterior palatine teeth of inner row longer than posterior teeth; preopercle scaled to posterior margin, all scales large; membranous posterior flap of anterior nostril slender and leaf-like, when laid back reaching well beyond posterior nostril; body depth 6.6 in SL; eye moderately large, 4.45 in HL; pectoral fins extending posterior to a line connecting dorsal- and pelvic-fin origins, fin length 2.2 in HL; alcohol preserved color pale yellowish with only traces of dark pigment in blotches along lateral line, when fresh red on dorsal 1/2 of body, white ventrally, with V-shaped darker red bars extending 1/2 way into white ventral space, each with 3 constrictions; a vertical series of orangish red blotches in each interspace between red bars, ventralmost in white area between tips of red bars; median and pelvic fins with red cross bands (Ref. 80927).