Distinctive 'tear-drop' marking on lower rear edge of eye. Larger blocks of brown above lateral line. Fin rays pale brown and membrane of fins transparent with irregular light and dark brown lines. Males: head and body olive green; fins mottled grey to reddish brown or olive green. Females: light brown covered with darker brown flecks. Distinguished from other triplefins by the absence of scales along the dorsal and anal fin bases.