This species is distinguished by the following characters: D IV-V (rarely IV); A I, 19-20 (usually 19); pectoral rays 19-20 (usually 19); lateral-line scales 60-64; gill rakers 4-7 + 10-13; canine teeth 3 pairs, anteriorly in lower jaw; palatine teeth present; body depth 5.0-5.95 in SL; head length 3.45-3.6 in SL; last 2 dorsal spines subequal, the last usually the longest, 3.8-4.15 in HL; last interspinous membrane of dorsal fin attached to the first dorsal soft ray nearly 1/2 length of ray from its base; caudal fin slightly rounded; pelvic fins reaching or extending slightly beyond anus, 1.25-1.55 in HL; body pink dorsally, lavender-white ventrally, with a series of 10 short dusky green to yellow bars on upper side of body (indistinct dorsally), the last 2 on caudal peduncle nearly merged; spinous portion of dorsal fin largely black in color (Ref. 75889).