[2] Macolor macularis was first formally described in 1931 by the American ichthyologist Henry Weed Fowler with the type locality given as near Ragay Gulf on Luzon.

[5] Macolor macularis has a moderately deep body with a rather convex forehead with a large mouth.

The smaller juveniles, those with a standard length of around 20 cm (7.9 in) or less have very elongated pelvic fins.

Juveniles live solitarily on sheltered reef slopes with crinoids, in staghorn coral or large sponges.

[2] Macolor macularis is a nocturnal predatory species which feeds on larger zooplankton, fishes and crustaceans.

Fishers catch them using handlines, gill nets, traps and by spearfishing.