Basically white with black blotches and interspaces forming a honeycomb pattern (Ref. 30404, 48635). Some individuals have a near black overall appearance (Ref. 48635). Blotches variable between individuals and size, often in relation to habitat - those in clear coral reefs usually have proportionally less black than those found in turbid waters (Ref. 30404).

Description: Characterized by body depth at gill opening 11-18 in TL; origin of dorsal fin well anterior to gill opening; anus anterior to middle of body; preanal length 2.1-2.2 in TL; elongate canines in single row on intermaxilla, longer than other canines at front jaw; biserial vomerine teeth in adult (Ref. 90102).