Indo-Pacific: Red Sea to Durban, South Africa and to the Line and Tuamoto islands, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to New South Wales, Australia.

A small to near pupil-sized basicaudal spot is centered at the level of the lateral stripe. Its lower edge at level with the lower ray of the central two rays in the caudal fin. The spot is usually absent in deep water or at night and often fades in the afternoon.

Found in relatively clear waters on reef flats and lagoon and seaward reefs to a depth of at least 25 m. Cryptic under ledges by day, singly or in small groups.