Eye-like spots in the soft dorsal fin and feeler-like tentacles in front of the mouth (Ref. 48635). Mid-dorsal spines shorter than body depth. The only species of Dendrochirus with a pair of distinct ocelli on the soft-rayed dorsal fin (Ref. 37816).

Description: Characterized by reddish brown color with three pinkish to yellowish bars on body; pectoral fins with white and brown bands; deeply incised membranes of spinous portion of dorsal fin; enlarged and wing-like pectoral fin with rays of upper half fully connected by membranes, rays of lower half unbranched and free of membrane distally; depth of body about 2.8 in SL (Ref. 90102).