Western Pacific: Philippines, New Guinea, Rowley Shoals, Great Barrier Reef, and Palau (Belau), Truk, and Pohnpei in Micronesia.

Adults have a bright yellow spot above the pectoral fin base. Juveniles closely resemble juveniles of P. simsiang, but that species lacks a blue spot.

Inhabits lagoons and passages among branching corals. Occurs solitarily or in small groups. Feeds mainly on benthic algae.