This species is distinguished by the following characters: 16- 19 total gill rakers on first arch, with rakers elongate and slender; 2 spots on opercle, vertically aligned; posterior end of maxilla not concave; circumpeduncular scales modally 18 or fewer; rows of secondary pored scales present on caudal fin; bars on side of body extending partially onto dorsal and anal fins, no medial intensification in bars on side of body, ocellus present on dorsal fin of mature females; in life abdomen predominantly yellow-green; caudal blotch ocellated (Ref. 74403).