Covered with evenly-spaced round orange spots; develops an elongate first dorsal spine with growth (Ref. 1602). Body whitish; about 4 patches on lateral side of body, triangular patch on caudal base; all fins whitish with orange spots on dorsal and caudal, Transverse scales 7. Predorsal scales 4. Head triangular in cross-section; snout short and pointed. Dorsal fin triangular in shape; in males, 1st dorsal spine elongated and extending over base of last dorsal ray when depressed; 2nd dorsal fin ray pointed posteriorly. Anal fin similar to 2nd dorsal. Pectoral fin large, extending beyond origin of anal fin. Pelvic fin cup-like with connecting membrane (Ref. 43541).