This common species is usually seen only a short way off the bottom, and it will often back into a hole in the coral when approached. We also occasionally see them in lagoon algae patches. It has a pair of long, curved but non-venomous teeth on the lower jaw, apparently used for defense. The fish somewhat resembles Aspidontus taeniatus, which has a longer, more pointed snout extending over the mouth. The first shot below with fins erect is by Jay Lord.
The lower jaw fangs are visible in the photo below.
This one was in a hole in growth on the side of the giant clam.
Created 5 December 2017
Uupdated 4 September 2018