Dark “beret” over snout and brow. Spines of the dorsal fin usually with black tips. For a grouper, this species is exceptionally variable in color. The range extends from almost white to pale cream and bright red to deep reddish-brown and olive-brown. There are frequently 4-5 strong or pale orange-brown vertical stripes on the body.
Size : 40 cm
Habitat : In bays, lagoons and out reefs, 1-160 m. On coral, rubble ground and on small coral heads in seagrass fields. Rarely shy, common in some territories.
Distribution : Red Sea to SW Japan, Marquesas Islands and Pitcairn.