This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: D VI-I, 8-9; A I, 7; pectoral-fin rays 18-19; lateral scale rows 20-22; body depth is moderate, which is neither slender nor deep (depth at pelvic-fin origin 18.3-20.0% of SL); pelvic-fin base with frenum; caudal-fin length moderate, its margin rounded; no cephalic sensory-canal pores; interorbital papillae row (Row 3) may form two rows; postorbital papillae row (Row17) is not continuous with upper cranial papillae row (Row 18); preopercular and transverse opercular papillae rows (Rows 20 and 21, respectively) are connected, forming a single transverse row. Colouration: body with three oblique black bars, angled upwards anteriorly and continuous with black bars on dorsal fins, the anteriormost bar extending from first dorsal fin to midline of body, the two posterior bars extending from second dorsal fin to dorsal surface of body and caudal peduncle, respectively; pectoral fin white, with upper half widely (ca. 1/2 length of rays) margined with black; caudal-fin base with a narrow sickle-like bar (Ref. 126574).