TP: (male) with frontal tubercle and ragged tail, olive-green and usually with whitish cross markings. IP and juveniles with black spots on the front of body, juveniles also with two eye spots on the dorsal fin.
Size : 1 m
Habitat : In lagoons and outer reefs slopes, 2-40 m. Swims alone, frequently in reef areas with mixed coral, sand and rubble zones. Feeds on bottom-dwelling invertebrates, especially hard-shelled species, such as mussels, snails sea urchins as well as hermit crabs and shrimps which it cracks with the grinding teeth in its gullet.
Distribution : Red Sea and East Africa to S Japan, Micronesia, Line Islands, French Polynesia.