Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 90 m . Tropical; 31°N - 35°S, 21°E - 77°W

Maturity: Lm ?, range 49 - ? cm Max length : 75.0 cm TL male/unsexed; ; common length : 30.0 cm TL male/unsexed; ; max. reported age: 13 years

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9. This species is distinguished by the following characters: median predorsal scales 6-8 (usually 7); 3 scale rows on cheek, 1(6-7), 2(6-9), 3(3-5); pectoral-fin rays 13-15 (occasionally 15); terminal male usually with 2 conical teeth on side of upper dental plate (female without), with lips mainly covering the plates; caudal fin rounded in small female, with prolonged lobes in large adult. Colour of male dark reddish brown anteriorly with a bright green dot at top end of line from mouth through eye to top of opercular opening; female red on head, belly and fins, side with wavy black and white stripes, and dark green bands around the mouth and eye ( Ref. 9793, 90102). Body shape (shape guide): fusiform / normal;  Cross section: compressed.