Western Pacific: Indonesia to Fiji, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to New Caledonia. Recently recorded from Tonga.

Fish is light tan to yellowish brown with a prominent black bar posteriorly on body. The caudal fin and caudal peduncle is white. Inhabits coral-rich areas of clear lagoon and seaward reefs.

Occurs singly or in small groups and remains close to thickly branching coral shelter.