This fish species is characterized by a body depth measuring 2.6–3.0 times the standard length (SL). The pectoral fins are 1.4–1.7 times the head length and have 17–18 rays. The lateral line consists of 47–56 scales, and there are 94–114 scales in the lateral scale series.The species exhibit an orange-red to reddish-brown body covered with small, usually dark-edged, pale blue-grey spots. The pectoral fins are orange-yellow distally. The soft dorsal, caudal, and anal fins often have a narrow blue margin and a blackish submarginal line. The pelvic fins are orange-red, with the distal edge being dark bluish-grey. Juveniles tend to be more yellowish.