Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 1 - 50 m . Tropical; 20°N - 24°S, 97°E - 163°E

Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm Max length : 55.0 cm TL male/unsexed;

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15 - 17; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 7 - 8. Juveniles dark brown with bright yellow dorsal, anal, pelvic and tail fins. At size about 9 cm, small scattered blue dots appear and yellow on fins begins to recede ; characterized further by brown to reddish brown color, usually mottled; head, body and fins covered with numerous white to bluish spots; several pale bars evident on side; scales ctenoid scales on body including abdomen; greatest body depth 2.6-3.0 in SL; rounded caudal fin; pelvic fins 1.8-2.1 in head length . Body shape (shape guide): fusiform / normal;  Cross section: oval.