Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 0 - 150 m . Tropical; 34°N - 23°S, 31°E - 138°W

Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm Max length : 50.0 cm TL male/unsexed; ; max. published weight: 7.0 kg

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14 - 16; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9. This species is distinguished by the following characters: greatest body depth 2.5-3.0 times in standard length (for specimens 13-39 cm SL); head length 2.3-2.5 times in SL; longitudinal scale series 95-108; ctenoid scales on body, including abdomen; caudal fin rounded; pelvic fins not reaching or just about the anus, 1.9-2.3 in HL. Colour of body orange-red, with small blue spots sparsely scattered but more densely on head and median fins; head also with elongated blue spots and lines; body with 4 dark bars (sometimes very faint) merging dorsally with blackish blotches at base of dorsal fin and extending onto the fin; 2 similar but smaller dark bar/blotches on caudal peduncle ( Ref. 39231, 90102). Body shape (shape guide): fusiform / normal;  Cross section: oval.