Pacific Ocean: Indonesia (from Bali eastward), southern Philippines, New Guinea, Australia (Queensland), New Britain, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu (New Hebrides), New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa Islands, Society Islands, Caroline Islands, Marianas, Kiribati and Marshall Islands.

Orange with a vertical black-edged white band behind the eye. Small juveniles are red with 1 to 2 additional white bars at mid-body and base of the tail.

Distinguished by the black ventral fins from other similar species. Inhabits lagoon and outer reef environments. Feeds predominantly on planktonic copepods and algae. Has been reared in captivity.