Distinctive Characters: Body deep and compressed, its depth 1.5–1.8 in SL; dorsal fin with 13 spines and 12–14 soft rays; anal fin with 2 spines and 11–13 rays; pectoral rays 16–20; 19–23 lateral line scales; 23–33 gill rakers on 1st gill arch; caudal fin tips pointed. Colour: Pale with 5 dark bars on body; head and back often with yellowish hue (especially during courtship and nesting).