Indo-West Pacific: Red Sea and Gulf of Oman south to Natal, South Africa and east to the western Pacific where it ranges from southern Japan to Australia.

Coloration of body characteristic and more translucent. Main stripe on side of body dark-reddish. One from snout to anal fin and other above end of first to end of caudal fin.

Occurs inshore. Rocky and rubble reef, secretive under pieces or in the back of low caves.