Stripes black to red above, with thin white interspaces. Black peduncular blotch and additional blotches at soft dorsal and anal fin bases that vary greatly in size between individuals or habitats. Large spine in anal fin blue (Ref. 48635). Alternating broad deep red and narrow silvery stripes on body. 1-6 spinules on posterior edge and 0-1 on anterior of nasal fossa. Preopercular spine 3/4 to nearly equal to orbit diameter. Four (4) oblique rows of scales on cheek. Body depth 2.7-3.0 in SL; head length 2.8-3.0 in SL; snout length 4.4-4.85 in head length; interorbital width 4.3-4.7 in head length; premaxillary groove extending slightly posterior to a vertical at anterior edge of orbit; anterior end of nasal bone ending in short spine that angles laterally; medial margin of nasal bone without spinule; 1-6 spinules at posterior edge of nasal fossa, 0-1 at anterior edge; upper edge of first suborbital bone with a laterally projecting spine near a vertical at the front edge of orbit, followed by a serrated ridge; preopercular spine varying from 3/4 to nearly equal to orbit diameter, 2.85-3.5 in head length; longest dorsal spines 3rd or 4th, 1.8-2.0 in head length; third anal spine 1.1-1.3 in head length (Ref. 27370).
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