Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Marshall Islands and New Guinea, north to Japan, south to northern Australia, including the Arafura Sea.

Translucent white or pink, silvery on head and abdomen; caudal peduncle sometimes with a posteriorly placed black spot.

Inhabits lagoon and coastal reefs, among coral and rocks. Forms large schools. Feeds during the day in currents above reefs as well as at night.