Indo-Pacific: Red Sea south to northern Mozambique and east to Fiji, north to southern Taiwan, south to New Caledonia. Recently recorded from Tonga.

Upper 3-4 pectoral fin rays free. Body color pale gray; operculum with 5 small blue spots interspersed with brownish red spots; 5 vertical rows of white spots on pectoral fins; anterior tip of first dorsal fin bright yellow. 4th spine of 1st dorsal fin longest. Predorsal scales cycloid, trunk ctenoid. Mouth with overhanging snout, lips greatly thickened. Cheeks and operculae without scales. Female pelvic and anal fins not as darkly pigmented as in male.

A common species that inhabits mangroves and silty, rocky areas; occasionally found in rubble reef areas. Only single individuals were observed; many individuals found scattered over a small area.