Western Pacific: Indonesia to Vanuatu, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to Scott Reef (eastern Indian Ocean) and New Caledonia. Recently recorded from Tonga.

Body color ranges from a light tan or lavender-yellow to a dark chocolate brown. Ocellus present in all but the largest adults.An ubiquitous species found in lagoons, coastal reefs, passages and outer reef slopes.

Inhabits sandy areas around coral or rock outcrops or other protective shelter.