Indo-West Pacific: East Africa to the Philippines, north to Miyakejima, Japan and Taiwan, south to northern Australia.

Reddish dorsally, yellowish ventrally. Body depth lower than A. aureus and no wide black band on caudal peduncle. Juveniles pale with short blue lines on snout. Adults to deep golden with blue spots on sides and line following eye.

Inhabits rocky cliffs. Also in sheltered coastal to outer reefs from shallow flats to over 50 m depth. Usually in pairs, small aggregations, or occasionally schooling.