Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 30 m , usually 2 - 15 m . Tropical; 30°N - 24°S

Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm Max length : 30.0 cm TL male/unsexed;

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9. Males distinct and head looks bright yellow underwater; females drab with white teeth and some pale spots . Scales large. 4 median predorsal scales; a transverse pair of smaller scales which overlap medially in mid-dorsal line located directly anterior to 1st median scale; 3 scale rows on cheek, lower row with 1-2 (usually 2) scales. Caudal fin slightly rounded to truncate in initial phase; moderately to deeply emarginate in terminal phase. Adults in initial phase without canines on upper plate, 1 on lower; terminal-phase fish with 1-2 canines on upper and lower plates. Lips largely or entirely cover dental plates. Body shape (shape guide): elongated;  Cross section: compressed.