Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 15 m , usually 1 - 15 m . Subtropical; 24°C - 28°C ; 30°N - 32°S

Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm Max length : 16.0 cm SL male/unsexed;

Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 10 - 11. Juveniles easily identified by the color pattern and rounded snout. Males become brightly colored and head usually green with a yellow band following on the body . Head naked, no scales dorsally on opercle. Initial phase with a broad blackish stripe from snout through eye to caudal-fin base . Body shape (shape guide): fusiform / normal;  Cross section: compressed.