The bandfish in question is typically orange to reddish and eel-like in shape, with narrow bands running along its sides. It features a prominent, large oval spot that can be reddish to black, situated near the start of the dorsal fin. Its cheeks, gill cover, and pectoral-fin base are silvery. Juveniles of this species are grayish. Characteristically, it has large eyes, elongated dorsal and anal fins, and a slender, tapering body.