TP blue-green, with frontal tubercle. IP paler and without frontal tubercle.
Size : 2.3 m
Habitat : Lagoons, bays and outreefs, 1-60 m. Uncommon. Shy, but sometimes can be curious in regions frequented by divers but without stress from fishing. Usually alone. Feeds on hard-shelled invertebrates such as snails, crustaceans, sea urchins and starfish (also crown of thorns), also fish, e.g. boxfish. It usually finds its prey on rubble and sand surfaces. In some areas greatly depleted by reckless fishing. Expensive edible fish and in strong demand from SE Asian restaurants.
Distribution : Red Sea and East Africa to SW Japan, Micronesia, New Caledonia and French Polynesia.