It has a short rostrum (point between the eyes) and has a colour pattern of longitudinal bands of green with a slight tinging of red. It is concealed by day in dark rocky crevices that may be above the water.

It is found in tidal pools on rocky shores.

Scavenges on dead plants and animals.

http://zipcodezoo.com/Animals/A/Alope_spinifrons/ (accessed 18/09/10) Patricia M. Ralph and J. C. Yaldwyn , Seafloor Animals from the Region of Portobello Marine Biological Station, Otago Harbour Tuatara: Volume 6, Issue 2, December 1956