Indo-Pacific: Red Sea to Mozambique and eastward to the Pitcairn Group, north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe Island and Rapa.

Inhabits reef flats and lagoon and seaward reefs to a depth of 40 m or more. Occurs singly or in small to large aggregations, taking shelter in dark crevices, branched coral, under ledges, and among the spines of Diadema setosum. Nocturnal species. Feeds on small crustaceans and gastropods, also on small fishes.