Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 60 m , usually 5 - 40 m . Tropical; 32°N - 24°S, 55°E - 138°W

Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm Max length : 29.0 cm TL male/unsexed; ; max. reported age: 28 years

Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 27 - 30; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 24 - 28. Purplish black in color; an orange diffused patch at edge of gill opening, just above pectoral fin base; a broad black band from upper end of gill opening to margin of gill cover down to isthmus; caudal spine socket with a narrow black margin. Blackish lips; a trace of orange behind eye; a white line under chin extending slightly above rictus. Gill rakers on anterior row 23-26; on posterior row 25-27. Juveniles can exhibit 3 different color patterns mimicking Centropyge species. Caudal fin rounded in juveniles.