The Vagabond Butterflyfish has a white body with two series of narrow dark lines set at right angles. A broad black band passes through the eye and yellow horizontal lines cross the interorbital region. A black band is present at the rear of the body and another through the caudal fin. The soft dorsal, anal and caudal fins are yellow.

Juvenile Vagabond Butterflyfish resemble the adults, but have a black spot at the rear of the dorsal fin.

This species grows to 23cm in length.

Vagabond Butterflyfish inhabit coral reefs and lagoons, often in areas of high turbidity and freshwater influxes. This fish is usually seen in pairs or small groups.

It is found in depths from 1m to 30m.

The Vagabond Butterflyfish feeds on coral polyps, anemones, polychaete worms and algae.