This species is determined by the following set of characters: D: VI-I,9; A: I,9; P 17; with 55-56 lateral scales; 14 transverse scales; scales are cycloid except in the caudal peduncle and base of the caudal fin where scales are ctenoid; gill opening extending slightly forward of the level of posterior margin of preopercle; first dorsal fin has elongated filaments on second to fourth spines; oval-shaped caudal fin, about equal to head length, 3.5 in SL; cephalic sensory system includes pores B’, C, D, E, F, G, H, M’, N, and O’. Live colouration is grey to grey-brown with 3-4 large diffuse, side of body with dark blotches interspersed with large, irregular white blotches, and diagonal orange bands anteroventrally on the side, grading to diagonal rows of small orange spots on posterior half of body; numerous orange spots and short bands on the head; orange spots in the rear portion of the first dorsal fin and entire second dorsal and caudal fins (Ref. 123124).