[2] It lives in tropical climate and it is associated with lagoons and coral reefs at depths from the low tide line to 25 m.[2][6] Corythoichthys flavofasciatus can reach a length of about 12 centimetres (4.7 in) in males.

[2] Body has yellow and brown stripes, while the snout is red.

Males develop orange stripes and brilliant light blue spots.

[2][6] The male carries the eggs in a ventral pouch, which is below the tail.

Some authorities consider that Corythoichthys flavofasciatus is a species which is restricted to the Red Sea and that the species found in the remainder of the Indo-Pacific is Corythoichthys conspicillatus.