Body deep and compressed, the greatest depth distinctly more than head length, contained 2.2 to 2.5 times in standard length (for fish 15 to 34 cm standard length); body width contained 2.2 to 2.9 in the depth. Head length contained 2.5 to 2.8 times in standard length; preopercle finely serrate, the serrae at angle slightly enlarged. Gill rakers 19 to 22 (total). Dorsal fin with XI spines and 18 to 20 rays, the membranes only slightly incised between the spines and the third or fourth spine longest; anal fin with III spines and 8 to 10 rays, the rear margin falcate in large adults; pectoral-fin length 29 to 35% of standard length, pectoral-fin rays 18 or 19; caudal fin rounded in juveniles, truncate or concave in adults. Scales smooth, deeply embedded.
Colour: Adults mottled greyish brown with white speckles and small black spots that tend to be arranged in rings; juveniles black or dark brown covered with irregular white spots and blotches.

Western Atlantic from North Carolina to Rio de Janeiro, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean.

A rare, secretive species; virtually nothing is known of the biology. Depth records range from 21 to 213 m.

Maximum total length about 90 cm; maximum weight over 10 kg.