This species is identified by having 10 dorsal spines, 13 dorsal soft rays, 3 anal spines, and 8 anal soft rays. The pectoral-fin rays are often 16-17, and there are 48-50 lateral-line scales, with 5-6 horizontal scale rows above the lateral line and 4-5 scale rows on the cheek. The preopercular flange is characterized by several embedded scales. Distinctive features include a pair of small rounded to elliptical nostrils on each side of the snout, lacking a conspicuous flap on the outer edge of either nostril. The predorsal scales extend forward to the middle of the interorbital. In terms of coloration, thin yellow to brownish stripes are present below the lateral line of the body, with adults typically exhibiting relatively uniform-width stripes. In some cases, there may be a more prominent slightly wider stripe from behind the eye to the upper caudal peduncle, occupying a single scale row and well less than half pupil width. Contrarily, juveniles may display a wider lateral stripe. The fins are predominantly yellow.