This species is defined by the following characters: D X, 17; A III, 7; pectoral rays 19, unbranched; complete lateral line with 37 pored scales 37; 5 oblique rows of scales on cheek; completely scaled head except mandible and lips; accessory scales on head and nape; 30-36 serrae on rounded corner and upper margin of preopercle; lower margin without serrae nor antrorse spines; body depth 2.65 in SL; head length 2.8 in SL; short snout, 4.0 in HL; interorbital space slightly convex and broad, width 3.7 in HL; filamentous caudal-fin lobes and pelvic fins; preserved color in alcohol pale yellowish with no dark markings; when fresh body with a posterior red bar, broadly edged in pinkish white; body anterior to bar pinkish white with red vertical lines following scale edges; spinous portion of dorsal fin mainly yellow (Ref. 75948).