The species is distinguished by the following characters: D XI,9; A III,9; pectoral-fin rays 15; lateral-line scales 16-17 + 6-7; median predorsal scales 5; single horizontal scale rows on cheek below eye; gill rakers 13; body depth 3.6-3.7 in SL; head length 2.9-3.0 in SL; snout length 3.5-4.3 in HL; dorsal fin mostly uniform height; pelvic fins of TP male moderately elongate, reaching posteriorly to about base of first soft anal-fin ray, 2.7-3.9 in SL; caudal fin distinctly emarginate, appearing lunate in males due to tapering red bands along dorsal and ventral margins. TP male in life mainly reddish on upper half of body and bright yellow below; dorsal fin mainly yellow orange, grading to reddish basally with dark-edged white or clear bands on basal half of soft rays; anal fin scarlet red; caudal fin translucent medially with tapering red bands along dorsal and ventral margins; pelvic fins pinkish; pectoral fins translucent with brilliant red triangular mark immediately above base; female in life rosy pink on upper two-thirds of head and body, grading to whitish ventrally; body with 4-5 narrow reddish stripes on upper half; dorsal fin pinkish yellow with faint red bands and dark brown first spine; anal fin pink with faint red bands; caudal fin with numerous transverse rows of faint red spots, except darker red along edge of lower lobe; black spot, about one-third to half pupil size, on upper side of caudal peduncle (Ref. 118280).