Adults become banded with a thin white bar in the middle of each band.

Description: Characterized by bold pattern of alternating black and white bars, black bars about twice width of white bars, frequently split dorsally by narrow yellowish line; head length about 13 in TL; body depth about 46 in TL; head and trunk slightly shorter than tail; with pectoral fins; low dorsal fin, origin above middle of pectoral fin; short tube anterior nostril; posterior nostril opposite front edge of eye; projecting upper jaw beyond lower jaw; uniserial jaw teeth or irregular biserial at middle of upper jaw; intermaxillary with about nine teeth (Ref. 90102).