During the initial phase, it has a reddish to brown colour, six to seven dark, horizontal stripes along its body, and red fins.

[4] In males, during the terminal phase, the posterior of the body and the lower half of the head appear abruptly lighter.

Also, in males, the caudal fins appear blue-green with a large, orange, crescent-shaped area.

[2] Normally, the bridled parrotfish occurs at depths of 1–25 m[2] on exposed outer reefs, occasionally in extremely shallow water.

Juvenile specimens may be found in lagoons living within the rubble and coral of the reefs.