Highly variable in color, from orange/brown to green/brown, usually with prominent horizontal rows of white to pink dots, white blotches on the back and tail base. It lives solitary.
Least concern on the IUCN Red list.
Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Marquesan and Tuamoto islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to New Caledonia and Rapa. Adults inhabit lagoon and coastal reefs, in areas with mixed sand, rubble, and coral. Occasionally in grassy areas. The live in a depth range of 1-30 meters.
Oviparous breeding. Distinctive pairing during breeding.
Up to 45cm.
Feeds mainly on mollusks and crustaceans.
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