Marine; reef-associated; depth range ? - 400 m . Tropical; 30°N - 36°S, 24°E - 171°E

Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm Max length : 36.0 cm TL male/unsexed; ; common length : 30.0 cm SL male/unsexed;

Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 5. Highly variable in color. Adults 'bearded' with numerous tassels. Juveniles slender with tall dorsal fin . Third dorsal spine longest (2.05-2.5) in head; occipital pit absent or very shallow; snout very long (2.7-3.0 in head length); space between opercular spines naked; first dorsal spine short (1.85-2.5) in length of second spine; supraocular and postocular spines broadly joined in adults (only tip of supraocular spine showing) and flaring outward to form a shelf over posterior half of eye . Body shape (shape guide): fusiform / normal.

Inhabits clear-water outer reef slopes and channels from depths of 1 to at least 35 m, in areas with mixed rock and coral substrates. Venomous spines. Solitary on coral and rocky bottoms .