Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 0 - 55 m . Tropical; 32°N - 36°S, 24°E - 128°W

Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm Max length : 14.0 cm TL male/unsexed; ; max. published weight: 45.21 g

Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14 - 16; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 14 - 15. Juveniles overall black with scale centers bluish; white blotch on forehead and upper sides; all fins black except the transparent pectoral and outer portion of soft dorsal rays. Geographic and behavioral color of adults variable; no spot on forehead; spot on upper sides very reduced; head and fins normally black; scales with black margins. Margins of preorbital, suborbital and preoperculum finely serrated . Nuptial fish generally paler color. Body depth 1.4-1.6 in SL . Body shape (shape guide): short and / or deep;  Cross section: compressed.