This species is distinguished by having a scattering of melanophores obliquely across the pectoral-fin base that is concentrated in the center; two distinct bands of melanophores extending posteriorly from the eye, the upper one is narrow, from eye to above the pectoral-fin base and the lower is broader and extends across the cheek onto the opercle, both of which are the two red bands extending back from the eye when fresh (Ref. 83982); no dark spots on ventral side of head on isthmus (Ref. 113727). Dorsal to anal fin-ray formula 9/8 (Ref. 116739).