Median predorsal scales 5; a single scale row on cheek; first two dorsal spines in males elevated, forming elongate pennant-like structure, its length 1.6-2.7 in head; caudal fin rounded in juveniles, females, and small males, rhomboid in larger males; pelvic fins of males long and club-shaped, 1.1-1.2 in HL; male reddish or pale orange grading to purple posteriorly on upper two-thirds of head and body with blackish dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins and iridescent blue spots on caudal fin; females mainly reddish; base of pectoral fin black in males and yellow in females.