Juveniles have a beautiful zebra like pattern on their body with all their fins elongated. They are usually found in shallows protected areas, in sea grass beds, or close to sessile benthic organisms (sponges, corals, and crinoids). Adults live solitary or in small schools on inshore reefs or wrecks.

They are usually a solitary species both as a juvenile and as an adult. They are found along coastal areas and shipwrecks. Juveniles often hide in cracks and crevices of coastal reefs. Juveniles adopt mimicry of a poisonous flatworm having a brilliant black body with a bright orange-yellow rim. Adults can be distinguished from other batfish by a protruding snout and large triangular pectoral and dorsal fins.

Found both along the shorelines and on deep outer reefs. Usually seen in pairs or small schools. Can be distinguished from other batfish species by having a few black spots on its side. Juveniles can be found in very shallow water, mimicking the color and shape of dead leafs.