This species of coral reef is commonly found at depths of less than 35 meters, forming larger aggregations in front of drop-offs in the water column. It feeds on plankton during the evening hours, and females are much more common than males.
distinctive characters
The dorsal fin of this species has 10 spines and 16-18 rays, the anal fin has 3 spines and 6-7 rays, and the pectoral fin has 16-18 rays. The body depth is 2.4-3.1 times the standard length, and the fins are heavily scaled. Additionally, there are no papillae on the edge of the orbit, the margin of the sub-opercle, and the inter-opercle is serrate. In adult females, the third dorsal spine is prolonged, and in males it is greatly elongated. The caudal fin is lunate.