It has a marginal row of large plates that resemble mosaic tiles and contrast in colour with the disc.

The margin is usually tan with symmetrically arranged dark brown bands and the disc is orange-brown.

[3][4] Iconaster longimanus is native to the tropical west and central Indo-Pacific Ocean.

[2] It is common in Singapore where its typical habitat is lower reef slopes and adjoining areas of rubble where it feeds on lithophytes growing on rocks and coral fragments.

[5] Not a lot is known about the feeding habits of Iconaster longimanus but it is believed to include in its diet detritus, bacteria, micro-organisms and small benthic invertebrates.