This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following characters: D X-XI,10-12 (modally XI,11), total rays 21-22 (22) with the first dorsal-fin spine much shorter than the second, with bases close together; A II,8-10 (II,9), total rays 10-12 (11); head depth 18.8-21.6% (mean 20.0%) of SL; eye set high on the head (horizontal line through top of snout bulge well below the ventral margin of pupil in specimens >60 mm SL); anterior and posterior lacrimal spines are sharp, the anterior spine tip canted anteroventrally while posterior spine tip canted anteroventrally or ventrally in specimens >60 mm SL; skin flap associated with pore above pectoral-fin base long and tentacle-like. Colouration: body entirely pale pink or yellow with narrow dark stripe centrally, no oblique alternating dark and light stripes; pectoral fin inner surface is largely bright yellow (whitish in preserved specimens), basally with dark stripes along rays, distal part largely yellow (whitish) when fresh (Ref. 128010).