Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 20 m . Tropical; 30°N - 24°S, 102°E - 153°W

Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm Max length : 56.2 cm FL male/unsexed; ; max. published weight: 2.2 kg

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9. This species is further distinguished by having the following characters: median predorsal scales 4; scale rows on cheek 2; conical teeth absent on side of lower dental plate, 0-2 on upper plate of initial phase and often 2 on terminal male; lips slightly covers the dental plates; caudal fin in subadult slightly rounded to truncate and slightly emarginate in terminal male. Colour of male distinctly bicolored, with purple-brown anterior, and oblique division to pale yellow posterior; female entirely dark brown with red-orange tail ( Ref. 9793, 90102). Body shape (shape guide): fusiform / normal.