Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Tuamoto Islands (excluding the Hawaiian Islands), north to Japan, south to Australia. Recently reported from Norfolk Island.

Dorsal head profile moderately sloped; eye relatively large, its diameter about equal to length of snout. The cheeks are scaled; maxilla with a longitudinal reticulated ridge. The inner pectoral fin base are without scales. Back region is brown with narrow silvery stripes. The rest of the head and body mainly silver to gray except for 4 or 5 brownish-orange on lower 2/3 of side. There is a prominent golden yellow blotch directly below the posterior part of the dorsal fin just in front of the caudal peduncle.

Inhabits subtidal reef flats, lagoons, and seaward reefs.