Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 1 - 100 m . Tropical; 30°N - 32°S, 32°E - 178°W

Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm Max length : 21.0 cm TL male/unsexed; ; common length : 13.8 cm SL male/unsexed;

Dorsal spines (total): 10 - 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14 - 16; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 11 - 13. Variable body coloration, dark red to silvery, paler ventrally with lateral line darker; often yellowish snout and eyes. Caudal fin tips distinctly black or reddish black . 4-5 scales on cheek; 21-29 predorsal scales; scaled dorsal and anal fins. Upper peduncular scale rows usually 11 (10-12); lower peduncular scale rows usually 15 (13-17). ventrolateral surface of basioccipital with a broad process for attachment of Baudelot's ligament. Post maxillary with 2 processes; posterior end of maxilla tapered . Head length 3.0-3.5 in SL; body depth 3.6-4.8 in SL . Body shape (shape guide): fusiform / normal;  Cross section: compressed.