Size
Maximum size 37cm (15")
Recognition Characters
Lunate shape of the caudal fin is obvious; never has bars on the body
Color
Uniformly colored brown, tan, olive, and/or bluish with no bars or markings on the body; large white band is on the caudal peduncle. Dark blue line over the "scalpel"(spine) on the caudal peduncle. Bright blue edges on the outside of fins, except for the clear-yellowish pectoral fin.
Habitat & Depth
Inhabitat reef areas, usually around relief; typically between depths of 15-80 feet.
Distribution at GRNMS
Rare
Geographic Range
Massachusetts to Brazil, rare north of Florida
Behavior & Notes
Not seen very often, typically only as juveniles during the summer months.
Synonyms
Gilligan 1995, Peterson 1989, Humann 1997