Color in life pale brownish gray with 5 dark brown to black stripes narrower than interspaces. A black spot, pupil size or slightly larger, laterally on middle of caudal peduncle. A small black spot on dorsal surface and another, less distinct, on ventral surface of caudal peduncle. Midcaudal spot encircled by yellow except for a small white area on posterodorsal section of caudal peduncle. Snout darker than body. Anterior 2 dorsal spines and tip of third spine dark with dusky membranes. Posterior spines of first dorsal fin dusky with transparent membranes. Spines of second dorsal and anal fins, and anterior edge of pelvic fins dusky to dark, but not as dark as dorsal fin spines. Fins otherwise transparent (Ref 8525).