Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 80 m . Tropical; 32°N - 47°S, 24°E - 140°W

Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm Max length : 140 cm TL male/unsexed; ; common length : 50.0 cm TL male/unsexed;

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Anal spines: 0; Vertebrae: 139 - 146. Flanges on upper and lower lips well developed; 2 rows of teeth in jaws, those of outer row larger; closely set and compressed to form cutting edge; 6th infraorbital pore located close behind and slightly above posterior angle of jaw. Dorsal fin begins over middle of appressed pectoral fin ( Ref. 11039, refer to key for other characters). Brownish grey, yellow below and on fins, median fins with narrow black edge, black patch on lower rear edge of eye and on pectorals ; assumes a pattern of broad dark bands at night (see also Ref. 4538, 1602). Body depth at gill opening 17-23 in TL . Body shape (shape guide): eel-like;  Cross section: circular.