Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 15 m . Tropical; 32°N - 31°S, 77°E - 130°W

Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm Max length : 18.0 cm TL male/unsexed; ; common length : 15.0 cm TL male/unsexed;

Dorsal spines (total): 12 - 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 21 - 23; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 18 - 20. Body color is yellow with cross-hatched pattern on the sides. A dark black spot is sometimes present under the spinous portion of the dorsal fin. A black bar runs across the eye. The dorsal, anal and caudal fins have a dark stripe the position of which varies with age . Snout length 2.1-2.6 in HL. Body depth 1.4-1.8 in SL . Body shape (shape guide): short and / or deep;  Cross section: compressed.