Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 10 m . Tropical; 30°N - 30°S, 52°E - 140°W

Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm Max length : 26.0 cm TL male/unsexed;

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 27 - 30; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 23 - 26. Preserved color is brown; spotted, white spots usually bordered with dark brown (may help conceal it in turbulent water that is often filled with small bubbles). Pelvic fins bright yellow. Each side of caudal peduncle with a single, sharp, forward-pointing erectile spine. Gill rakers on anterior row: 21-24; gill rakers on posterior row: 19-23. Body shape (shape guide): short and / or deep;  Cross section: compressed.