This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI-I, 17; A I, 18; pectoral rays 18; scales in longitudinal series 78; scales absent on head, nape, or prepectoral area; body elongate, its depth 6.6 in SL; dorsal spines progressively longer to fourth, 4.05 in SL; caudal fin pointed and moderately long, 3.0 in SL; pectoral fins reaching to above anus, 3.8 in SL; pelvic fins not reaching anus, 4.65 in SL (Ref. 75899); characterized further by male with bluish body color, white abdomen, head and body covered with yellow spots, blue mid-dorsal stripe on head, yellow spotting on dorsal fin; female similar to male except for having irregular dark spots on first dorsal fin and yellow streaks instead of spotting; united pelvic fins, presence of well developed frenum; body covered with cycloid scales anteriorly, ctenoid posteriorly (Ref. 90102).