Pacific Ocean: Moluccas to Samoa, north to the Izu Islands, south to Rowley Shoals in the eastern Indian Ocean and New Caledonia.

The background color of this species varies from light tan to deep blue or dark brownish purple. The juvenile is similar to that of P. bankanensis, but lacks a bluish stripe on the exact mid-dorsal line of the snout forehead.

Found in mixed coral and rubble areas of lagoon and seaward reefs from the lower surge zone to a depth of 40 m.