Marine; reef-associated; depth range ? - 50 m . Tropical; 35°N - 32°S, 110°E - 156°E

Maturity: Lm ?, range 18 - ? cm Max length : 40.0 cm TL male/unsexed;

Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16 - 18; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8. Distinguished by the following characteristics: whitish color; head, body and fins with numerous large close-set hexagonal to roundish dark brown to blackish spots; ctenoid body scales except cycloid dorsoanteriorly above lateral line, on thorax and abdomen; body with auxiliary scales; greatest depth of body 2.7-3.2 in SL; rounded caudal fin; pelvic fins, 1.7-2.1 in head length ; head length 2.3-2.6 times in SL; evenly curved dorsal head profile; snout subequal to eye diameter, snout length 4.6-5.3 times in HL; rounded preopercle or subangular; upper edge of operculum almost straight; posterior nostril diameter about twice that of anterior nostrils; maxilla reaches to or past vertical at rear edge of eye; 2-3 rows of teeth on midlateral part of lower jaw; lower jaw barely projecting in front of upper jaw . Body shape (shape guide): fusiform / normal;  Cross section: compressed.