Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 30 m . Tropical; 32°N - 36°S, 25°E - 132°W

Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm Max length : 45.0 cm TL male/unsexed;

Dorsal spines (total): 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 9; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8. The only Cheilinus that has 10 dorsal spines. Exhibits a coloration very similar to C. trilobatus, but has black and white specks on its pelvic, anal and caudal fins, while C. trilobatus has vertical red, white and black streaks on its body scales. Large adults of both species have numerous red spots and streaks on the head and trilobed caudal fins. Body shape (shape guide): fusiform / normal;  Cross section: compressed.