The latent sling-jaw wrasse is similar to its sole congener, the sling-jaw wrasse (Epibulus insidiator) but can be distinguished by the absence of a black stripe on the head,[3] its comparatively, duller colouration in the males, in having black colouration on the fins in the majority of the females, its slightly longer pectoral fins and its smaller size.

[3] Epibulus brevis is found in the sheltered waters of inshore reefs and lagoons as well as in nearby sea grass beds.

When spawning occurs these fish show a varied rush which can be a low arch or a brief and rather leisurely upward movement, at which time the median fins of the male are spread away from his body.

[3] The latent sling-jaw wrasse is found in the aquarium trade and the yellow colour morph of the females is highly sought after.

[1] Epibulus brevis was formally described in 2008 by Bruce A. Carlson, John Ernest Randall & Michael N. Dawson with the type locality given as Ngerikuul (Nikko Bay), off south shore of Bukrrairong Island in Koror, Palau.