This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI + I,8-9; A I,8-9; the first dorsal fin is fully erect and rectangular, first spine not produced into filament in either sex; no head pores; posterior longitudinal scales 15-20, usually extending forward to about level of second dorsal-fin origin, but body anterior to level of middle of second dorsal fin mainly scaleless; body depth at pelvic-fin origin 14.0-16.4% SL; colour in life translucent with scattered orange-brown to orange markings consisting of a mid-lateral row of short, horizontal, orange-brown lines; small orange spots on the back, a row of horizontally ovate spots on lower side; iris pinkish orange and 4-5 dark-brown spots on dorsal scleral surface of each eye; fins translucent with numerous white speckles, sometimes with a pair of orange stripes on first and second dorsal fins (Ref. 116128).