Has more colorful and intense coloration than other species of the genus. The dorsal fin has a well defined black marginal stripe and a broad red submarginal stripe, and black spots at the base of the fin rays, while the caudal is black with broad red marginal stripes. The dark longitudinal stripes on the body are basically similar to those of L. leptocheila, but are invariably well defined and relatively intense. In specimens from black waters, stripes are very intense and extend to all scale rows on side of body below lateral line. Humeral and peduncular spots absent (Ref. 7424).