Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 25 m . Tropical; 36°N - 35°S, 30°E - 123°W

Maturity: Lm 12.6, range 11 - 14.8 cm Max length : 43.0 cm TL male/unsexed; ; max. published weight: 1.8 kg ; max. reported age: 5 years

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9. This species is distinguished by the following characters: median predorsal scales 4; 2 scale rows on cheek, 1(5-7), 2(4-7); pectoral-fin rays 13-15 (usually 14); female usually 1 conical tooth on side of upper dental plate, terminal male with single tooth on side of lower dental plate, lips largely covering dental plates; caudal fin slightly emarginate in small female to deeply emarginate in large TP male. Colour of male green to pale brownish with salmon pink or bluish scale margins, a lavender-grey snout, bluish to lavender caudal fin and the nuptial male with a brilliant yellow body; female overall reddish brown to grey, usually pale snout . Body shape (shape guide): fusiform / normal;  Cross section: compressed.