This species is distinguished by the following characters: 3½ scales above lateral line to midbase of spinous portion of dorsal fin; spineless at the anterior end of nasal bones of adults or subadults; absence of an enlarged spine at corner of preoperculum; D XII; longest dorsal-fin spine 2.2-2.3 in HL; last two dorsal-fin spines subequal; pectoral-fin rays 16 or 17 (usually 16); 28 lateral-line scales; height of the second suborbital bone is below center of eye 3.7–3.8 in eye diameter; median prepelvic scales 13; gill rakers 7-9 + 15 or 16; least depth of caudal peduncle 4.2-4.45 in HL; dorsal profile of head nearly straight anteriorly, becoming convex on nape; depth of body 2.0-2.1 in SL; head length 2.35-2.5 in SL; snout length 4.65-5.6 in HL; colour when fresh light red (Ref. 114923).