This species is characterized by the following: D1 spines modally VIII; D2 modally I,12; A modally I,11; caudal fin modally 17 segmented rays; 58-73 lateral scales; 22-31 predorsal scales; pelvic fin with prominent frenum with sparse, small brown spots on dorsal surface; inner rays of pelvic fin fused for half but never more than three-quarters of length; head and body pale grey, whitish ventrally; small, rounded, blackish spots on cheeks, pectoral fin base, and anterior part of body; distinct round orange spots along lower half of head and body (less numerous posteriorly); first dorsal fin is broadly rounded, grey to black, with very thin, white margin restricted to tips of spines while second dorsal fin whitish grey with narrow pale marginal stripe, two broad black bands, one sub-marginal and one medial, and a basal row of black spots; anal fin pale orange to creamy; pectoral fins pale with fine dusky markings mostly following fin rays; caudal fin dusky to pinkish grey (Ref. 83599).