Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 20 m , usually 0 - 15 m . Tropical; 19°C - 38°C ; 30°N - 30°S, 77°E - 20°W

Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm Max length : 45.0 cm TL male/unsexed; ; common length : 30.0 cm TL male/unsexed; ; max. published weight: 2.4 kg

Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 7; Anal soft rays: 9; Vertebrae: 13. Body bluish white; head brown to brownish or golden yellow with irregular blue lines. Preopercular angle 91°-102°; strong overlapping scales cover cheeks; midline of thorax scaled, not pelvic ridges. Anterior nostril with low flange, broadened slightly posteriorly. Spines stout, blunt or pungent, and venomous. Body shape (shape guide): short and / or deep;  Cross section: compressed.