Pacific Ocean: Philippines to the Society Islands, north to southern Japan, south to Australia (including Rowley Shoals, Western Australia) and Tonga.

Uniformly brown, reddish-brown, gray or black with about 5 thin light bars on a reddish head.

Found in groups among branches of Acropora coral.

The male takes care of eggs deposited on a coral branch. Has the ability to change sex in both directions to favor reproductive success