This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: D X,16; A III,7; pectoral rays 18; in males the third dorsal spine is prolonged while the third segmented anal-fin ray is the longest; lateral-line scales 46-47; without auxiliary scales on body; interopercle and subopercle are with distinct serrations in adults. Colouratin: males in life with upper body beneath anterior part of dorsal fin purple to pink with orange-red stripe, the dorsal fin is greenish yellow anteriorly, posteriorly red with blue basal area, anterior part of anal fin is red, and pelvic fins are bright yellow (Ref. 118105).