Mostly yellow but bright blue markings on the head, and blue edges on dorsal and anal fins. Black spot, ringed with blue, on forehead. Dark blue spot at base of pectoral. Dorsal spines (total): 14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 19-21; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 20 - 21. Tail and pectoral fins entirely yellow. Black spot on forehead has electric blue spots and is surrounded by narrow, electric blue ring. Large blue spot at base of pectoral fin. Adults develop short spines on the margin. The color of large adults is purplish blue with yellow-orange rims to the scales; head above eye dark blue, below greenish yellow; mouth, chin, throat, chest and abdomen purplish blue