There are four slender and clearly defined stripes with the middle stripe narrowing towards a distinct, wider black spot at the base of the tail. All fins are translucent, typically with a pinkish color. Stripes may be nearly absent in small juveniles and the base color varies, but the tail spot remains large and well-defined. The dorsal fin has VII-I, 9 rays; the anal fin has II, 8 rays; the pectoral fin has 15 rays; the pelvic fin has I, 5 rays; there are 24 pored lateral line scales; 3 predorsal scales; and 12 circumpeduncular scales.