This shy, medium-sized leatherjacket can be found individually or in small groups on rocky reef. Adults are a greenish brown to black in colour, with an orange patch over the tail spines and a yellow streak that extends from this patch towards the eye. Both the orange and yellow colouration can be more or less pronounced, or even almost absent. Juveniles of this species are a green or brown colour with pale reticulations including a large and prominent dark blotch behind the eye. While the adult is readily identifiable in the field, the juveniles are difficult to distinguish from other species, such as Meuschenia scaber, Scobinichthys granulatus or Acanthaluteres brownii (female). The large blotch behind the eye and relatively smooth skin (compared to S. granulatus) are the best ways to differentiate this species.
