[2] These tropical benthopelagic goatfishes can be found mainly in island waters and occur on coral and rocky seaward reefs, over sandy and coral bottoms and in shallow lagoons, to a depth of 40–120 metres (130–390 ft).

Body color range from pinkish to yellowish gray, with a broad black spot on lateral line, sometimes followed by a large pinkish spot.

A black band is present below the basal dorsal fin and blue spots on the scales above lateral line.

The two barbels extending form the chin are pale pink to white.

They feed during the day on small fish and invertebrates, as gastropods, crabs, crustaceans (mainly crabs and shrimps), polychaetes and worms, foraminiferans, brittle stars and heart urchins, found by means of the two barbels.