This species is distinguished from its congeners by having the following set of characters: 15 pectoral-fin rays; 34 (or 35) pored lateral-line scales; 35 (36-37) scale rows in longitudinal series; 2.5 scale rows between lateral line and sixth dorsal-fin spine base; 33 (37 in right side) (35-43) preopercular serrae; 7 (8) (7-10) interopercular serrae; 21 (19) (18-28) subopercular serrae;; interorbital scales slightly extending anteriorly, it is almost reaching or slightly beyond level of mid-orbit; relatively wide interorbital region, width 3.1-3.7 (mean 3.3) % SL; length of longest anal-fin soft ray is moderate, 17.4-18.7 (18.1) % SL; colour of pelvic fin white with several small yellow spots; no longitudinal dark bands on body sides (Ref. 116920).