This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: D XI,11, total rays 22, with the first dorsal-fin spine much shorter than the second, their bases close together; A I,9, total rays 11; head depth 13.7% of SL; eye is moderately low set on head (horizontal line through top of snout bulge level with ventral margin of pupil in 7.77 cm SL specimen); anterior and posterior lacrimal spines are blunt, tips of both spines canted ventrally; pore above pectoral-fin base associated with short, rounded skin flap. Colouration: body entirely pale pink or yellow with narrow dusky stripe centrally,no oblique alternating dark and light stripes; inner surface of pectoral fin largely bright yellow (whitish in preserved specimens) basally with dark stripes along rays, the distal part largely yellow (whitish) when fresh (Ref. 128010).