Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 1 - 64 m, usually 4 - 30 m . Tropical; 32°N - 32°S, 29°E - 171°E

Maturity: Lm 12.2, range 8 - ? cm Max length : 30.0 cm TL male/unsexed; ; max. reported age: 11 years

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15 - 17; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8. Brownish to greenish grey with dusky vertical bands over the body. White margins and black sub-margins on the median fins . Preopercle rounded, very finely serrate; no enlarged spines at angle, lower edge fleshy; characterized further by having ctenoid scales on body including abdomen; greatest depth of body 2.6-3.1 in SL; rounded caudal fin; pelvic fins not usually reaching anus, 1.6-2.1 in head length .