This species is distinguished by the following characters: 17-20 pectoral fin rays; 33-36 lateral scale rows; upper jaw length typically 9.2-11.0% SL (one specimen with 11.7%); predorsal squamation reaching anteriorly well beyond vertical through posterior margin of preopercle; first dorsal fin pigmentation variable, typically 1-3 longitudinal stripes with pale distal border of varying width, but sometimes uniformly dusky in larger specimens; trunk with 3 dorsal saddles sometimes reaching lateral midline and row of 6 large square to irregularly shaped blotches beneath lateral midline ranging in size from slightly larger than pupil to as large as or larger than orbit (Ref. 85559).