This species differs from its congeners in the following combination of characters; scales on predorsal midline absent; elongate spines of first dorsal fin absent; 5th pelvic-fin ray unbranched, 50-70% of 4th ray in length; basal membrane between innermost pelvic-fin rays 10-17% of length of 5th ray; a shallow or deep interorbital trough, no postorbital trough; nape with a slightly developed longitudinal ridge in the midline; longitudinal scales 22-23; head ground color and body bright yellow, with iris vivid yellow, 3 deep purple oblique lines margined by pink when fresh (Ref. 75202).