Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 50 m , usually 1 - 20 m . Tropical; 24°C - 28°C ; 30°N - 30°S, 77°E - 129°W

Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm Max length : 28.0 cm TL male/unsexed; ; common length : 18.0 cm TL male/unsexed;

Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 7; Anal soft rays: 9; Vertebrae: 13. The species can adopt a number of camouflage patterns involving off-white, pale gray to blackish, and various shades of brown. The basic pattern consists of a labyrinth of narrow bands with upper half vermiculate, the lower ones tend to meander horizontally. This pattern extends to the fins. Iris golden dissected by a chocolate cross. 4-5 irregular off-white bars on caudal peduncle. Scales fine on cheeks, densely packed over lower 2/3 of preopercular region. Midline of thorax without scales between pelvic ridges. Fin spines stout, pungent, venomous. Preopercular angle 87-100 degrees. Body shape (shape guide): fusiform / normal;  Cross section: compressed.