It can also be recognized by the pair of horizontal white stripes on its caudal peduncle.

The clearfin lionfish was first formally described in 1829 by the French zoologist Georges Cuvier with the type locality given as Tahiti.

Two white horizontal lines occur on the caudal peduncle which distinguishes this fish from other similar lionfishes.

It is found on both inshore and offshore rocky reefs at depths to about 25 m (82 ft).

It spends the day hiding in rock crevices, in small caves, or under overhangs.