Obtains a maximum size of 60 cm (23.6 in) TL. Usually found solitary or in pairs.

Distribution: Indo-Pacific: Red Sea south to Natal, South Africa and east through Indonesia to the Tuamoto Islands, north to southern Japan. Inhabits lagoons and coral reefs at depths of 2 - 50 m (6.6 - 164.0 ft).

Carnivore. In the wild, feeds primarily on corals, gastropods, crustaceans, and tunicates. Feed meaty foods that are appropriately sized for the individual. Examples are fresh or frozen shrimp, scallops, clams, squid, and fish. For smaller individuals feed mysid shrimp and brine shrimp.