Caudal peduncle 1.2-1.5 times longer than deep, depth 9.3-10.7 %SL; anus closer to posterior extremity of pelvic-fin base than to caudal-fin origin; 12-16 black bars on body, their width about equal to eye diameter, quite regularly shaped and spaced in individuals larger than about 50 mm SL, less regular in smaller ones; juvenile with 3 broad black bars on body and a large black blotch on anterior half of caudal fin; 7-8 narrow saddles along back; pelvic, pectoral and anal fins plain colored, bright orange in life; 2 broad black stripes or row of spots on dorsal, 3 black bars or rows of spots on caudal fin; 15-16 branched pectoral-fin rays; 9 branched pelvic-fin rays (Ref. 36949).