The juveniles, sub-adults, females, and dominant males are strikingly different in color and pattern. At one time this caused taxonomic problems and each color pattern was given a separate scientific name.
Juveniles are bright yellow with two dark stripes along the sides.
The stripes may be lacking in very small individuals. Females and sub-adults have a body shape similar to that of the juveniles. Females are usually reddish in color and tinged with yellow with two dark stripes. Dominant males are identified by the fleshy lumps on their heads, their coloration is grayish tinged with red and with a yellow bar near the mid section. The tips of all fins except the pectoral are long and filamentous.