This fish has 3 dorsal spines and 12-13 dorsal soft rays, with no anal spines and 7-8 anal soft rays. Its coloration is variable, ranging from yellow, pink, red, brown, to black. There is a dark spot at the base of the posterior dorsal rays, and a black phase with white tips on the pectoral rays is also observed. The illicium is about equal in length to the 2nd dorsal spine, and the esca is bulbous with filamentous tentacles, resembling a stout-bodied shrimp. The last pelvic fin ray is bifurcate, and a caudal peduncle is present. The eyes usually exhibit bands radiating from the pupil.