This species is distinguished by the following characters: a yellow or yellowish dorsal fin with a black, distal margin along its full length, broadest on anterior rays (pupil-diameter width), gradually narrowing posteriorly, and the last ray with only a black tip; differs from its congeners by having large, deciduous cycloid scales on the flank; pectoral-fin base with a dark, oblong spot; anal fin with a dark margin along its length; 38-45 segmented anal-fin rays; 56-65 lateral-line scales; 31-35 total gill rakers on the first arch (Ref. 95447).