Western Pacific: Philippines, East Indies, Palau, Caroline Islands, Marshall Islands, and Rowley Shoals off northwestern Australia. Also reported from New Caledonia and Ryukyu Islands.

A small white spot at end of base of second dorsal fin that is distinctive in juveniles and maybe absent in large individuals.

Inhabits lagoon reefs and silty habitats in among boulders in seagrass areas; juveniles among urchin spines.