This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: D XI or XII,11-13 (usually XII, 13); A II,12-13 (rarely 13); pectoral rays 15-17 (rarely 17); spiniform caudal rays 2; tubed lateral-line scales 12-14 (usually 13); total gill rakers on first branchial arch 27-31; body depth 1.6-1.8 in SL; colour in life yellowish brown grading to grey brown on posterior body including caudal peduncle; orange bar across pectoral-fin base, invading axil of fin; pelvic fins are yellow; dorsal and anal fins are brown with yellow area posteriorly on each fin; dark brown margin, dorsally and ventrally on caudal fin, tapering in width posteriorly (Ref. 96316).