Green to greenish yellow in color, often with a dark caudal margin; adults with elongate flaps on top of head (Ref. 1602). Transverse scales 10. Mouth nearly vertical, lips thick. Head and nape naked to first dorsal fin origin. Gill opening located at same level as pectoral base. Ventral small; first dorsal and anal lower than 2nd dorsal; pectoral extends beyond anus; caudal rounded. Scales less firmly attached than other congeneric species (Ref. 43541).; characterized further by having longitudinal scale series 22-24; ctenoid scales except head, nape, prepectoral region, breast and midventral portion of abdomen which is scaleless; head and nape with numerous bristle-like cirri; complete pelvic fin frenum and basal membrane; depth of body at level of pelvic fins 2.6-3.1 in SL (Ref. 90102).