The elongated rear lobes of the second dorsal and anal fins along with a rounded tail fin, give the fish the appearance of having three tails. The bases of those fins have scales. The head and body are mottled brown to tan above, shading to olive-yellow below. Fins (except spinous dorsal and pectoral fins) are almost black. Pale olive band across base of caudal fin. Broad, dark brown bar from eye across cheek below corner of preopercle, and another from upper corner of eye to beginning of dorsal fin. Two dark streaks on top of head, behind nostrils. Upper profile concave at nape. Edge of preopercle strongly serrated.