Palecheek parrotfish

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9. This species is further distinguished by having the following characters: median predorsal scales 4; scale rows on cheek 2; conical teeth absent on side of lower dental plate, 0-2 on upper plate of initial phase and often 2 on terminal male; lips slightly covers the dental plates; caudal fin in subadult slightly rounded to truncate and slightly emarginate in terminal male. Colour of male distinctly bicolored, with purple-brown anterior, and oblique division to pale yellow posterior; female entirely dark brown with red-orange tail (Ref. 9793, 90102).