Indo-West Pacific: widely distributed in the eastern Indian Ocean and western tropical Pacific.

Has 2 to 3 blue-bordered red longitudinal stripes on the head that extends faintly on the body, as well as red basal stripes on the dorsal and anal fins, a dark tip on the first dorsal fin, and red ocelli on the caudal fin.

Inhabits shallow coastal sand and rubble flats, often near mangroves. Occur in areas of fine sand in shallow lagoon reefs. Adults occur in pairs while juveniles were often seen in small groups. Feed on small invertebrates by sifting mouthfuls of sand.