This robust species is of moderate size (4.8-9.4 cm SL) possess the following set of features: upper jaw sexually dimorphic, longer in adult males; a black stripe on the inner lining of maxilla and adjacent membranes; D 15-17, A III; 21-24 gill rakers on lower limb of first arch; multifid nasal cirrus in adults; upper margin of subopercle is extended dorsally as a broad membranous flap; presence of a small black spot at tip of first and second dorsal-fin spines, no ocellated dorsal-fin spot (except in juveniles); body with 6 wide brown bars, usually discontinuous with corresponding markings on dorsal fin, but not below midline; 17 (rarely) or 18 caudal vertebrae (Ref. 75633).