The upper jaw is partially concealed beneath the orbital bones when the mouth is closed and the teeth are small, fixed and are incisor-like with flattened tips.

[2] The body of this species is distinctively coloured with two wavy horizontal stripes, one yellow and one bluish, starting at the mouth and extending to the caudal peduncle.

[2] Kyphosus ocyrus is an uncommon species which can be found as both solitary individuals and in schools, frequently mixed with K. elegans and K. vaigiensis.

They live near the surface, no deeper than 25 metres (82 ft) along rocky shores, in the open ocean and in reefs off isolated islands.

They have also been observed to swim rapidly in small schools in open water over deep reefs, along sea walls and at drop-offs.

[1] K. ocyurus tends not to live in submerged vegetation, preferring a mix of an open water and coral reef environment.