This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: D X,11; A III,10; total gill rakers on first arch 27-31, mode 27 (upper limb 7-10, lower 19-22); lateral-line scales 31-39, mode 35; body scales above pectoral fin with about 11-60 spinules on posterior margin, the number increasing with growth; generally rounded caudal fin in young, becoming somewhat double emarginate in adults (noticeable in specimens over 15.0 cm SL); absence of black margins on posterior soft portions of vertical fins; 5 white or pale vertical bands (often indistinct) on body about 1/2-3/5 width of pupil expanded ventrally and dorsally with latter angled posterodorsally, very notable in young, less obvious in adults (Ref. 94109).