Size up to 30 cm, robust and slightly compressed. Males have tall dorsal crest comprising first three spines followed by deep notch in the membrane and the rest of the dorsal fin,. Females have a lower more rounded crest. The head is large and pointed, with a large mouth and thick lips. Prominent cirri above the eyes, which may be barely branched or quite bushy in mature adults. Colour highly variable, from white through yellow, orange, red, and brown to dark green. A dark mark on the upper part of the operculum is common. Body patterning varies with a few distinct patterns. No pattern, with near uniform body colour; a broad white band from behind the eye, across the opercle, tapering to the caudal fin, which may be continuous or broken, with the rest of the body roughly uniform in colour; or highly mottled with vertical and horizontal bars and bands. Head pattern variable, ranging from broad oblique bars to a complex reticulated pattern. Eyes have broad radiating bars in body colour, red or yellow iris. Pectoral fins in body colour with translucent membrane.[4]
Distribution and habitat
Namibia to beyond East London.[4]
Rock pools to at least 50m depth. Habitat preference roughly follows colouration, but they will also be found on a contrasting background. Pale animals seem to prefer sand, light green on Caulerpa beds, dark green on Codium and red on red algae.[4]
