Dorsal fin with 10 or 11 spines and 14-17 rays. Anal fin with 2 spines and 12-15 rays. Pectoral rays 18-21. Body depth 1.7-2.0 in standard length. Colour is blackish with three white bars crossing head, body and caudal peduncle. There is considerable variation in the ratio of black to orange-yellow on the fins and ventral part of head and body