Ground color of female very dark brown; orangish on front of head and lower parts; body spotted with white or very pale yellow, extending to dorsal and anal fins; caudal bright cadmium. Male form deep violet; irregular blue spots on cheeks and lower operculum; body with round blue spots becoming oblong, nearly forming longitudinal bands ventrally; dorsal and anal fins with longitudinal bands; caudal with numerous blue ocelli. Dorsal spines flexible. Caudal fin of adults truncate to emarginate; rounded in small juveniles. Easily confused with male A. geographicus when seen underwater, except when displaying with iridescent blue-green lines and spots over the body and fins (Ref. 48636).