This species is distinguished by the following characters: D V,21; A I,16-17; pectoral-fin rays 14-16; lateral-line scales 46-48; 4 progressively larger, recurved canine teeth on each side at front of lower jaw; ctenoid scales on body except prepelvic area with cycloid scales; opercle and cheek are covered with ctenoid scales; body depth 4.7-5.5 in SL; caudal fin is truncate to slightly rounded; pelvic fins reaching beyond the anal-fin origin; colour of head and body generally white with 7-8 short brown bars on back, above lateral line and lower side with corresponding narrow yellow-orange to brown bars; adult has conspicuous black band on rear edge of cheek and short black band on lower pectoral-fin rays; females have a curved black band under eye along lower edge of suborbital (Ref. 116121).