This species is distinguished from all of its congeners by the following set of characters: D IX,10; A III,9; pectoral rays 12-13 (rarely 13); pelvic rays I,5; lateral line scales 23-26; gill rakers on first arch 11 to 14; Initial phase of individuals and females greyish brown to greyish red, with chin and belly paler and reddish brown scales irregularly distributed singly or in clusters along flanks; pectoral fin translucent red with a dark red to black spot on upper fourth of its base. Terminal phase of individuals with brownish red head and upper half of anterior two-thirds of body; ventral portion of central third of body yellowish green; posterior third of body dark greenish grey; black spot on upper fifth of pectoral fin base (Ref. 88982).