This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: D VI + I,9 (rarely 10), with the second spine elongated and filamentous, reaching caudal-fin base when fully developed; A I,8 (rarely 9);the fifth pelvic ray is branched, 62-71% length of fourth pelvic ray; the bony interorbital 46-62% pupil diameter; the midline of predorsal broadly scaleless; no scales on cheek and opercle; in life mainly bright orange-red except white on breast and belly, the lower half of head, also white stripe on midline of snout in life (Ref. 100512).