The eyes are small, the snout is short and blunt, and the operculum bears a robust venomous spine.

The dorsal colouring is generally whitish, yellowish, or grey, sometimes with some violet or pinkish shades on the head and neck.

Numerous brownish or blackish speckles are on the back and sides, some, especially on the flanks near the lateral line, forming ring shapes.

Poison glands are located at the base of this fin and on the spine on the gill cover.

This fish is an ambush predator, remaining stationary in the sand ready to grab any passing prey of suitable size with its wide, upward-pointing mouth.