[3] This is the only species in the monotypic subgenus Nemapterois, this name being a compound of nema, meaning "thread" and Pterois, the genus of "typical" lionfishes.

there are 2, sometimes 3, large black eye like spots, or ocelli, on the soft-rayed part of the dorsal fin, there are 3 pink to yellowish bars on the flanks.

[2] This species has been observed to have unusual feeding behaviour, as it approaches prey it snaps its dorsal fin spines and shakes its head from side-to-side.

It has also been suggested that the fleshy tentacles on the upper jaw, which give it the name of "Fu-Manchu lionfish" in the aquarium trade,[6] may be used to attract prey to within striking distance.

These fish stalk prey by moving stealthily along the substrate or around reef structures, moving forward, either by "hopping" on the pelvic fins or by sinuously waving its caudal fin until it is around half its body length from its quarry, when it makes a rapid lunge and ingests the prey.