Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 75 m . Tropical; 43°N - 32°S, 31°E - 168°W

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

Dorsal spines (total): 3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 25 - 27; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 21 - 27; Vertebrae: 18. Unique color pattern of large white spots on belly, black spots on yellow background on the back, yellow snout. A white or yellowish band across snout in front of eye. Lips and the area around mouth orange-yellow. A broad vertical white, slightly yellowish band on caudal fin. Scales enlarged above pectoral-fin base and just behind gill opening to form a flexible tympanum. Rows of small anteriorly projecting spines on caudal peduncle. A prominent groove extending anteriorly from front of eye for a distance of about 1 eye diameter. Mouth terminal. Caudal peduncle compressed . 39-50 rows of plate-like scales. Body shape (shape guide): short and / or deep;  Cross section: oval.