Dorsal rays XI-XII, 14-16; Anal rays II, 13-15; pectoral rays 18-21; lateral-line scales 17-20; body depth 1.4-1.6 in standard length. Upper and lower accessory caudal rays spinous. Margin of infraorbital series serrated. Juveniles overall black with scale centers bluish; white blotch on forehead and upper sides; all fins black except the transparent pectoral and outer portion of soft dorsal rays. according to color of adults variable; Geographic and behavioral conditions; no spot on forehead; spot on upper sides very reduced; head and fins normally black; scales with black margins.
habitats
Inhabits coral and rocky reefs, juveniles often commensal with large sea anemones, sea urchins, or small coral heads. Occurs in small to large aggregations. Stomach contents include algae, copepods, and other planktonic crustaceans.
Distribution
Distributed in the Indo-West Pacific from Red Sea and East Africa to the islands of Oceania excluding the Hawaiian and Marquesan islands; north to southern Japan and south to Sydney, Australia. It is found in southern Taiwanese waters.
Luh, H. K. etc. 1986 
