Marine; reef-associated; depth range 3 - 300 m , usually 3 - 35 m . Subtropical; 33°N - 32°S, 180°W - 180°E

Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm Max length : 50.7 cm TL male/unsexed; ; common length : 20.0 cm SL male/unsexed; ; max. published weight: 2.7 kg

Dorsal spines (total): 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 13; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 13 - 14. Silvery pink, mottled red or solid red in color; median fins with faint dark dots. Pelvic fins dusky or pale and without distinct spots . Section of preopercle behind canal striated and without scales .
Body shape (shape guide): fusiform / normal;  Cross section: compressed.