Description:

Dorsal spines: 10; Dorsal rays: 13-15; Anal spines: 3; Anal rays: 13-16.
Body moderately deep, ovate and laterally compressed. Eye large. Mouth oblique tip of lower jaw protrudes when mouth closed. Jaws with small teeth. Posterior of maxilla reaches below anterior half of eye. Poorly developed preopercular spine, inconspicuous to non-existent in adults. Scales covering most of head and body onto base of caudal fin. Soft portion of dorsal fin taller than spinous portion and angular posteriorly. Pectoral fins shorter than pelvic spine. Pelvic fins long, reaching posterior to spinous portion of anal fin. Caudal fin truncate in juveniles; concave to lunate in adults.
Colour. Body, head, and iris of eye red. Capable of changing to silvery with red bars or large spots in a matter of seconds. Row of small dark spots sometimes evident along lateral line. Median fins dusky, without distinct dark spots. Pelvic fins dusky usually with black spot at base of first three rays.
 

Maturity: Lm unknown. Range unknown. Max Length: 45cm TL. Commonly to 40cm TL. 

Inhabits coral reefs and rocky bottoms (depth 3-250m, typically 30-50m). Prefers outer reef slopes to more sheltered environments. Usually inactive by day, seen singly under ledges or near coral heads or in small aggregations schooling above the reef. Feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and other small invertebrates

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is caught in the fish trap fishery and by handline, it is a periodic but not common or abundant component of the catch.  

Carpenter, K.E. et al 2016. Priacanthus hamrur. The IUCN Red List 2016: e.T46087863A46664864. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T46087863A46664864.en. (18/08/19).

Froese, R. & D. Pauly. Eds. 2019. FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Priacanthus-hamrur (18/08/19).

Heemstra P & Heemstra, E. (2004). Coastal Fishes of Southern Africa. NISC SAIAB. ISBN: 1-920033-01-7.

Starnes, W.C., 1988. Revision, phylogeny and biogeographic comments on the circumtropical marine percoid fish family Priacanthidae. Bull. Mar. Sci. 43(2):117-203.