Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 40 m , usually 5 - 25 m . Tropical; 32°N - 23°S, 88°E - 170°E

Maturity: Lm ?, range 39 - ? cm Max length : 70.0 cm TL male/unsexed;

Dorsal spines (total): 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 17 - 19; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9 - 10. This species is easily distinguished by its extreme smallness of size of the anterior part of the head as compared to the elevated postorbital part; absence of canine teeth, except for a very small pair at the front of the upper jaw; D X, 17-19; A III, 10 (rarely 9); a slit-like posterior nostril; color greenish white to light greenish brown with scattered round black spots on head, body, and fins, with body spots generally larger than those on head and fins; about 9 large roundish dusky blotches may be present on body, with some extending partly into base of dorsal and anal fins ; characterized further by having moderately deep body, greatest depth 2.5-3.0 in SL; small eyes; concave dorsal profile of head; rounded caudal fin . Body shape (shape guide): short and / or deep;  Cross section: compressed.