Dorsal-fin rays VI + I,7 or I,8 (usually I,8); anal-fin rays usually I,8 or I,9; pectoral-fin rays 12–14 (usually 13); anteriormost scales on body usually reaching to above or a little anterior to pectoral-fin base, the longitudinal scale series 32–59 (mean scale count 47); body elongate, the depth at origin of anal fin 11.6–14.5 % SL; head width about equal to head depth; snout length about equal to orbit diameter; gill opening small, reaching ventrally to below or just anterior to lower edge of pectoral-fin base; mouth slightly inferior; a recurved canine tooth (or pair of teeth) at side of lower jaw; lower edge of preopercle slightly scalloped; caudal fin truncate with rounded corners; pelvic fins short, round, and cup-like, the pelvic spines and frenum thickened; dorsal two-fifths of body transparent, crossed by six or seven narrow bars that may be yellow, dusky orange, or red, with a small spot of the same color dorsally between each bar; a white line above vertebral column; lower three-fifths of body dusky to blackish orange. Largest specimen, 24.5 mm (Ref. 89154).