Saddle Stargazer

Pale tan or white with 4 broad reddish-brown bands on side between nape and caudal fin base. Dorsal and caudal fin rays have dark spots. 3 spines in dorsal finlet (Ref. 26938).

Dorsal spines (total): 16 - 17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15 - 16; Analspines: 2; Analsoft rays: 25 - 26

Inhabits sand and rubble areas around coral reefs or exposed rocks. Absent from surf beaches (Ref. 27742). The reddish-brown bands along the sides of the fish serve as camouflage when the fish partially buries itself in sand (Ref. 26938).