Upper pectoral fin rays entire. Predorsal with 7-9 cycloid scales; trunk with ctenoid scales. Segmented and non branching caudal rays 4, branching 13. Body color yellowish white; 2 brown diagonal lines from preoperculum to upper jaw, connected by a single line; 2 almost vertical brown lines on operculum. 4th spine of 1st dorsal fin longest. No sharp distinction between sexes in pigmentation and elongation of 2nd dorsal, pelvic and anal fins. Males sometimes with 3-4 dusky vertical bars on abdomen (Ref. 420); fully united pelvic fins with well-developed frenum; longitudinal scale series 29-32; predorsal scales 7-9, reaching interorbital space; absence of scales on cheek or opercle; depth of body 4.7-6.1 in SL (Ref. 90102).