This species is characterized by the following: D V,21-22 (rarely 21); A I,17-18 (rarely 17); 13-15 pectoral rays; 47-53 lateral-line scales; about 3 + 8 gill rakers; 3-4 predorsal scales, ending in a median naked area on nape with rest of nape scaled, the scales extending into posterior interorbital space and continuing in a single row to front of interorbital; ctenoid scales on nape and cheek; front of lower jaw with 10 canine teeth; with palatine teeth; upper edge of subopercle with a prominent sharp spine; vertical edge of preopercle serrate to irregular; body depth 4.45-5.35 in SL (18.7-22.6% SL); middle dorsal spine longest, 7.05-8.9% SL; truncate to slightly rounded caudal fin, 19.2-21.3% SL; membrane from last dorsal spine joined to base of first soft ray; whitish body with a straight to wavy black stripe from behind eye to upper base of caudal fin (stripe may be broken into blotches, especially on head); ventral half of body with a series of 10 dark bars; a broad median brown band on upper lip and two spots on side of lip; a long dark brown streak on side of lower lip; a large black spot basally in dorsal fin between spines II and V; soft portion of dorsal fin is pale with a small blackish spot at base of most rays, and 1-2 outer rows of small black spots on membranes; pale anal fin with a row of faint blackish spots at base of most rays and a middle row of small dark spots; pale caudal fin with a dusky lower margin (Ref. 57562).