Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to Pitcairn, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to Lord Howe Island and Rapa.

Juveniles have a large black blotch on the caudal peduncle which becomes diffuse with age. Adults resemble adults of C. artus, but have wider stripes with darker interspace.

Common in outer reef slopes in 4-30 m depth; in caves and ledges of clear lagoon and seaward reefs from 0.5 to at least 40 m, generally hovering solitarily in midwater. Adults usually in pairs or small groups comprising several pairs; juveniles solitary or small groups.