Marine; reef-associated; depth range 3 - 60 m , usually 5 - 50 m . Tropical; 24°C - 28°C ; 32°N - 35°S, 24°E - 132°W

Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm Max length : 22.0 cm TL male/unsexed;

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 13; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 11 - 13. Ground color of female very dark brown; orangish on front of head and lower parts; body spotted with white or very pale yellow, extending to dorsal and anal fins; caudal bright cadmium. Male form deep violet; irregular blue spots on cheeks and lower operculum; body with round blue spots becoming oblong, nearly forming longitudinal bands ventrally; dorsal and anal fins with longitudinal bands; caudal with numerous blue ocelli. Dorsal spines flexible. Caudal fin of adults truncate to emarginate; rounded in small juveniles. Easily confused with male A. geographicus when seen underwater, except when displaying with iridescent blue-green lines and spots over the body and fins . Body shape (shape guide): fusiform / normal;  Cross section: compressed.