This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI-I,13; A I,14; pectoral rays 18; 51-55 scales in longitudinal series; 17-18 predorsal scales; scales on upper anterior corner of operculum; fully-scaled cheeks; with pre-pectoral scales; posterior scales ctenoid but cycloid on head and anterodorsal part of body; 3-5 + 12-15 gill rakers; gill opening extends forward nearly to a vertical at posterior edge of orbit; relatively low dorsal fin, no elongated spines, longest spine 1.9-2.8 in HL; long and pointed caudal fin, 2.2-2.8 in SL; sexual dichromatism none; mid-dorsal, neon blue stripe on head; on side of snout and cheek are irregular orange bands; middle of operculum with prominent yellow and blue-margined black spot; along middle of side with about 16-18 short brown bars; first dorsal fin blue, pale yellow low basally, just below middle of fin with row of large, irregular yellow spots (one between each spine), and tip of each spine yellow; second dorsal fin blue with a pair of yellow stripes; anal fin mainly yellow except blue on distal third; caudal fin blue with a large yellow spot medially at base from which pale yellow rays radiate posteriorly; pectoral fins with pair of large yellow spots at base and neon blue marking on uppermost part of base (Ref. 95856).