This species is distinguised by the following characters: the pectoral and pelvic fins are mostly covered by small scales and scales on the whitish pink blotches turn purple when preserved; D X,16-17 with the 3rd dorsal-fin spine longest; pectoral-fin rays usually 14, all branched except for uppermost ray simple; principal caudal-fin rays 9 + 8; pored lateral-line scales 32036; cheek with 6 diagonal rows of large scales; circumpeduncular scales 14; ca. 7 rows of large predorsal scales, 2 irregular rows of small scales extending to a line through posterior nostrils; maxilla and chin scaleless; posterior margin of preopercle serrated, the ventral margin with 2 antrorse spines; the greatest body depth 32.6-35.1% SL (Ref. 124021).