Dark grayish brown, with numerous orange spots on the head and fine blue lines on the body. Sometimes with a black spot on the base of the dorsal fin. They are solitary of from large groups.

Least concern according to the IUCN Red list. The lined bristletooth is one of the most common and widespread species in the IndoPacific region. Although in some countries it is harvested for consumption, this has no visible effect on the global population.

It can be found in the IndoPacific throughout the region excluding the Hawaiian, Marquesas and Easter islands. Absent from Malden and Jarvis islands. Also known from the East African coast. It lives in lagoon and on seaward reefs in a depth range of 0-35 meters.

Spawning starts near full moon with the formation of schools of several thousand fish at various depths. The fish remain almost motionless for between 1 to 3 hours, then change their normal color to pale grey. About 4 or 5 fishes rise a few yards above main school & swim around each other discharging milt & eggs, then return to former place & replaced by another group to spawn. This process continues for a some time until the school disperses.