This species is characterized by the following features: D VI + I, 23-25; A I, 22-24; pectoral rays 22 or 23; cycloid scales, nonimbricate, 135-139 oblique rows in longitudinal series on body; gill rakers 6-7 + 18-19; body depth 6.95-7.6 in SL; head length 4.2-4.6 in SL; chin with a low median fleshy ridge, narrowing to a thin convoluted ridge; first dorsal fin very low, the spines strongly curved posteriorly, only the last with a short free tip; fifth dorsal spine longest,

2.05-2.7 HL; caudal fin slightly rounded to slightly emarginate with rounded lobes, 4.3-4.65 in SL; pelvic fins 4.45-4.65 in SL; alcohol preserved color pale tan, with a dusky zone between upper lip and orbit; when fresh color is pale lavender-gray dorsally, becoming white on abdomen and cheek, 2 broad bluish gray stripes, a dorsal one posterior to middle of first

dorsal fin, and a ventral one above anal fin, separated by a narrow zone of pale lavender-gray; median fins are pale lavender-blue basally, translucent distally; pelvic fins mainly pale blue; pectoral fins translucent, with a narrow red bar at base (Ref. 75638).