Indo-West Pacific: East Africa, India, and Malaysia to the Moluccas, north to Taiwan, south to northern Australia. Single record from Fiji. Appears to be absent from oceanic islands of the Indian Ocean.

First dorsal spine about the same length as the 2nd dorsal spine, with a large tuff of filaments. Ground color of head and body light-tan with narrow blackish brown streaks. All fins with blackish-brown spots. Illicium longer than next dorsal fin ray with small rounded to elongate esca.

Inhabits still muddy habitats that are either deep or offshore or shallow rocky and coral reefs. Oviparous. Eggs are bound in ribbon-like sheath or mass of gelatinous mucus called 'egg raft' or 'veil'.