Closely resembles juveniles of Cheilinus fasciatus and Epibulus insidiator. Since they have broadly overlapping meristics, color pattern is the only reliable distinguishing character (Ref. 1602). Body of adults when fresh grayish brown, becoming reddish brown on mid side and ventrally on some specimens. Head with narrow, diagonal pale bands radiating from the orbit; iris bluish with reddish inner rim and an upper and lower streak of pale yellow. A large black spot covering more than half of pelvic fin. One predorsal bone. Premaxilla protractile. Spinous portions of dorsal and anal fins deeply incised.