Indo-West Pacific: East Africa to Samoa, north to Yaeyama Islands, south to Fiji.

Dorsal half of body brown, ventral half yellow, with 7-8 dark brown bars. Small silvery white spots on cheeks and opercula. Predorsal scales 8 or 9. Usually, spines on 1st dorsal fin elongated into filaments with the 3rd and 4th typically longest; spine of 2nd dorsal fin with red and white alternating bands, spots on rays and membrane. Cycloid scales only on nape and isthmus. Cheeks and opercula fully scaled. Teeth small and tightly packed in jaws.

A territorial species that inhabits lagoon and seaward reefs. Found over silty bottoms near or under overhanging corals. Feeds by sifting the sediment through its gill rakers.