Prionurus microlepidotus was first formally described in 1804 by the French naturalist Bernard Germain de Lacépède with its type locality ascertained to be New South Wales, the type having been collected by François Péron.

The larger adults have a small protuberance on the snout just above the mouth.

[6] The maximum published total length of this species is 70 cm (28 in).

[7] Prionurus microlepidotus is endemic to the southwestern Pacific and has been recorded only from Australian waters where it ranges from New South Wales in the south to Townsville in Queensland in the north, also around Lord Howe Island.

This species is found along rock shores and on coral reefs, although juveniles prefer sheltered habitats such as bays and estuaries.