This species is distinguished by the following characters: D V,21; A I,17; pectoral fin rays 17; lateral line scales 55; gill rakers 7+11=18; predorsal scales 10; cycloid scales on cheek; canine teeth 6 in outer row at front of lower jaw; vomer with 2 rows of teeth, robust and conical, with anterior row much enlarged; palatines without teeth; margin of preopercle and subopercle smooth except the angle; vertebrae with 10 abdominal and 20 caudal; pelvic fins barely

reaching the vent; colouration with a series of 9 large oval-shaped and yellow-ringed red spots that are midlateral on body and caudal fin (Ref. 116166).