This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: D1 VI, D2 I,9; A I,10; pectoral-fin rays 21; vertebrae 26; lateral scales 22; transverse scale rows 7; scaled belly; isthmus, pectoral fin base, cheek, predorsal region and operculum are naked; gill opening very wide, extending forward of the vertical through rear margin of pupil; when alive, head with vertically infraorbital yellow band; one wide longitudinal yellow band from operculum terminating at posterior end of caudal fin, band increasingly wider, such that posterior half of body completely yellow (Ref. 90870).