This species is distinguished from other congeners by the following set of characters: D V, 22 spines are larger posteriorly; A I, 18; pectoral fin rays 17; lateral-line scales 66, median predorsal scales 10; opercular spines 2; larger eye with eye/head length as 41.5%; smaller mouth with mouth/head length as 30.4%; mandibular pores 4+2+4. Colouration: body with dorsally 2/3 region generally creamy yellow, the belly snow white with about 12 crossing yellow stripes below mid-lateral body; spiny dorsal fin region is grayish to black; lower jaw snow white; upper part of pectoral fin with a cluster of black marks; caudal fin is translucent with about 5 vertical yellow lines and its upper base with a deep black blotch (Ref. 94988).