Western Central Pacific: Philippines, Borneo, Singapore, Celebes, Papua New Guinea, New Georgia and Australia from the Northwest Shelf to Brisbane.

Prominent pit present behind upper eye. Preopercular spines short, upper two subequal. Infraorbital ridge usually smooth over eye. Suborbital ridge bearing 1 spine below rear of eye. Dorsal fin IX or I,VIII. Dermal papillae (usually 6-9 in adults) on upper surface of eye, longest branched and reaching well above supraorbital ridge. Short dark streaks usually crossing rays in dorsal and caudal fins.

Inhabits shallow rocky coastal areas frequently associated with weed beds and mangroves, most commonly at depths of less than 5 m.