This species is distinguished by the following characters: D Vi+I,0; A I,8; both head and body naked; distinct groove between isthmus and interopercle; deep body (the depth at pelvic-fin origin 40.4-44.3 % SL) and strongly compressed; juveniles with rounded head, large adults with steep profile, slightly hump-headed; caudal peduncle relatively slender (depth 14.8-16.0% SL); colour of juveniles and adults dark reddish brown with greenish subcutaneous gleam on dorsal part of body; median fins plain (western Pacific Oceans) or with pale margin (Red Sea and Indian Ocean); iris plain light blue (Red Sea) or scattered with red-brown dots on the outer margin (Ref. 94082).