Greenish to brownish grey color with reddish spots.
Three or four pale stripes on side of variable intensity.
Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14 – 16; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 8 – 9
Juveniles with alternating blue and red stripes and 1or 2 black spots at caudal base.

LC (Least Concern) by the IUCN Red List.

It can be found in the tropical Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Red Sea south to Mozambique and east to the Phoenix Islands, north to Japan, south to Australia.
It is also found on the coast of Oman and Aldabra (Seychelles).

Living at coral richt areas and clear waters on lagoon and seaward reefs between 5 and 80 metres.

After spawning as a female for one or more years, the grouper changes sex, functioning as a male during future spawning events.
Open substrate spawners.