The species is found in the Eastern Atlantic, from Madeira, Cape Verde, Canary Islands, Annobon Islands, mainland shore from Cape Blanco south to Port Alfred, South Africa.

The pelvic fins are modified to form sucker, which the fish uses to attach itself to smooth, flat surfaces.

[3] It has large but rounded incisor-like teeth on both jaws at the front of the mouth, particularly in dult males.

[4] This fish has a distinctive J-shaped form when resting, with the tail curled towards the head.

The juveniles hide themselves while they grow and mid-sized fish can be found a couple of weeks later.