Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 10 m . Tropical; 19°N - 12°S

Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm Max length : 19.0 cm SL male/unsexed;

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 11; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 10 - 11; Vertebrae: 25. Usually bright green in algae habitat, but pale or with longitudinal dark bands on plain rubble . Head of male with intricate reticulate pattern of bands that varies from one individual to another; small blackish spot on anus. Juveniles and females with dark dots dorsally and posteriorly; these are lost in males. Anterior lateral line scales with 1-3 pores; 8-13 suborbital pores. Anterior dorsal and anal soft rays longer than posterior rays; male pelvic fins not reaching the anus. Body shape (shape guide): fusiform / normal;  Cross section: compressed.