It has two translucide dorsal fins, one lateral line, a large mouth and big round eyes.

[4] Its body coloration is silver grey with a black ring around the caudal peduncle.

This species is found in tropical waters of the western part of the Indian Ocean, including the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and also the Maldives.

[2] They are found in shallow water near coral reefs up to 17 metres (56 ft) depth.

[3] Tailring cardinalfish is a nocturnal species which when feeding, may be solitary or gather in small groups in shallow water above the coral reef.