The fish has a body depth that is less than the head length, measuring 2.5–3.0 times in standard length. The preopercle is serrate with 3–6 large serrae at the angle. The anal fin is equipped with 3 spines and 8 soft rays, while the pectoral fins have 18–19 rays. The caudal fin is rounded, and lateral body scales are ctenoid, with a few auxiliary scales in adults. The body features four broad dark brown bars, with the first two extending into the spinous part of the dorsal fin and the third and fourth bars extending into the soft dorsal and anal fins. There is also a fifth dark bar at the base of the caudal fin.