Whitish with reddish-brown, differently large patches. Color variants known for specimens from somewhat larger depths with pale pink basic coloration and densely-spaced, predominantly red patches. The coloration of this species appears to depend on depth and also on region. Specimens in the lower range of the depth distribution are predominantly red, and are also almost entirely missing the dark patches on the head.
Size : 9 cm
Habitat : In lagoons, bays and out reefs, 1-40 m. Not shy. Squats on various coral and on coral rock, less frequently also amongst seagrass.
Distribution : Red Sea and East Africa to S Japan, Panama and New Caledonia.