This creature is typically located in caves and is rarely seen during the day. It can be found in deep coral thickets down to a depth of 40 meters, usually in sheltered areas.
distinctive characters
The first dorsal fin has six spines, the second dorsal fin has one spine and eight rays, the anal fin has two spines and eight to nine rays, and the pectoral fin has fifteen to seventeen (usually sixteen) rays. The body is elongated and has a depth of four to four-point-eight inches in standard length, with a large and rounded caudal fin. Juveniles have strong triangular spinules around the angle of the preopercle, which become undulated to smooth in adults.