This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: dorsal/anal fin-ray formula usually 8/8, sometimes 8/7 or 9/8; pectoral fin rays 16-17 (usually 16), all unbranched; cephalic sensory-pore system pattern IV (lacking pores PITO and IT, AITO enlarged, engulfing the PITO); fifth segmented pelvic-fin ray variable, absent to 18% of fourth ray; non-fimbriate genital papilla; filamentous first dorsal fin (second spine 67.2% SL in holotype); branches on fourth pelvic-fin ray 2-3, 2-3 segments between branches; body with no distinct large dark marks; side of body with scattered internal melanophores, under pectoral fin and on side of head; presence of silver bar across central part of pectoral-fin base when alive (Ref. 83982); characterized further by semi translucent body with irregular, internal reddish midlateral stripe; presence of rows of small reddish spots along dorsal midline; usually with several narrow reddish bars above base of anal fin; longitudinal scale series 23-24; sctenoid scales, absent on head, nape and base of pectoral fin; depth of body 4.3-5.0 in SL (Ref. 90102).