Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 30 m , usually 2 - 15 m . Tropical; 23°C - 28°C ; 30°N - 24°S, 39°E - 143°W

Maturity: Lm 18.4  range ? - ? cm Max length : 45.3 cm FL male/unsexed; ; max. published weight: 2.7 kg

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 25 - 28; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 23 - 26. Color in life dark brown without lines on body or spots on head (one phase is purplish grey); horizontal black band behind upper gill opening absent on juveniles <6 cm SL; elongate purple band may be present anterior to dorsal origin; caudal fin brown; outer third of pectoral fin pale. Species with gizzard-like stomach.