This species of coral reef is commonly found in depths of less than 40 m. During the day, it moves from the reef patches into the water column to feed on plankton.
distinctive characters
This fish has a dorsal fin with 11 spines and 16 rays, an anal fin with 3 spines and 8 rays, and pectoral rays of 16-18. Its body depth is 3.1-3.4 in standard length, and the upper lip of males is thickened at the symphysis, forming a protuberant papilla. Additionally, the dorsal and anal fins are heavily scaled at their bases and well out onto the fins, and the caudal fin is deeply forked with no prolonged spines.