This species is distinguished from its congeners by having the following combination

of characters: long, filamentous 3rd spine of 1st dorsal fin, distal tip usually over end of 2nd dorsal fin base when adpressed; almost separated pelvic fins, innermost (= 5th) segmented rays connected by rudimentary low membrane between bases, no frenum; 4-7 short spines on posterior margin of preopercle (uppermost spine usually just behind the cephalic sensory canal pore N); large eye, 32.3-35.8% of head length; enlarged haemal arches on 1st two caudal vertebrae; posterior margin of eye to caudal fin base has a distinct black band (indistinct in dark-phase individuals); black pelvic fin (vivid in dark phase individuals); many minute bright blue spots on head and body when live or fresh; distinct dark spots on head and body absent; iris entirely reddish-brown or dusky (bright white ventrally in pale-phase individuals) when alive or fresh, becoming entirely black in preservation, with no white transverse bar on middorsal surface; has a hovering habit (Ref. 44260).