Indo-West Pacific: Red Sea south to Mozambique and east to Fiji, north to the Ryukyu and Bonin islands, south to New Caledonia. Recently recorded from Tonga.

Bluish silver in color, with 6 orange-yellow stripes, including a short post ocular stripe. Sub-equal along abdomen, and midlateral stripe ends into pinkish to orange spot on caudal fin base (red at night).

Inhabits sheltered clear water areas of lagoon and seaward reefs from depths of 1 to at least 49 m. Found in small or large aggregations under ledges, in holes, or even among long spines of sea urchins. Feeds on planktonic crustaceans and small invertebrates. Has been reared in captivity.