West Pacific: continental margins from Australia and the Philippines; expected elsewhere in Indonesia.

This species is characterized by 3 narrow dark stripes, the first from nape along base of first dorsal fin, the second above eye to upper caudal peduncle, the third midlateral from front of snout to end of caudal fin; pectoral rays 13-14; well-developed gill rakers 14-16, total with rudiments 17-21; first dorsal spines 7.

Nocturnal species. Occurs inshore over soft bottom.