[2] This species is found in the Eastern Indian Ocean and is endemic to Australian waters, in subtropical areas typically rocky reefs.

[3] The harlequin fish is a diurnal forager that has a long life-cycle, a small home range and strong site fidelity.

[4] The color variation, between individuals, is due to the large blotches which range from yellow to green [7] that are located posterior to the pectoral fin on the lower half of the body.

Numerous, inwardly directed, very small pointed teeth extend backwards, in rows and declining in size, from the large canines on the margins of both sides of the upper jaw.

Two large recurved and elongated canines sit anteriorly in the lower jaw, on either side, and three teeth, similar in shape, are further back.

Before maturing, the early juveniles are thought to be residing in the crannies and deeper in the caves, which would protect them against predatory piscivorous fish species that exist nearby.

[4] Indeterminate fecundity over the long life span as well as its long-lasting spawning period play a key role in egg and larval survival.