This species is distinguished by the following characters: small sized with a maximum recorded SL of 25.3 mm; D1 III, D2 XII-XIII, D3 9, first dorsal fin about the same height as the second; A I,17; pectoral fin 14; nape scaled; both sexes with characteristic oval patch of melanophores on dorsum between third and fourth dorsal-fin spines, males with large rectangular blotch of melanophores and brown pigment on side below posterior of second dorsal fin; red in life, with first dorsal of males crimson in front with golden yellow marks, white behind, base of fin a white patch on dorsum (Ref. 88983).