This species is distinguished by the following combination of characters: dorsal rays IV to VI + I, 13-16 (usually V + 1,14 or 15); anal rays 1,23-27 (usually 25 or 26); pectoral rays 13-15 (usually 14 or 15); lateral scales 37-39 (usually 38); transverse scales 9 or 10; predorsal scales 17-19; circumpeduncular scales 12 or 13; total gill rakers on first arch 15-19 (usually 17 or 18); total scales covering preoperculum 12-16 (mean 14.1); origins of first dorsal and anal fins about level; greatest body depth of adult male about 2.7-3.1 in SL; colour of adult male in life generally mauve to pale yellowish with orange stripe between each scale row on side of body; blackish zone on lower 2/3 of caudal peduncle and adjacent body above last few anal rays; blackish patch immediately behind pectoral-fin base; pelvic and median fins reddish with narrow white margin on dorsal fins (Ref. 119199).