Pacific Ocean: Christmas Island in the eastern Indian Ocean to the Society Islands.

Small scales on about basal half of membranous ridge of anterior dorsal rays of ocular side; edge of membranous ridge of about first 15 blind-side dorsal rays with prominent cirri. Color of ocular side in alcohol light brown, the scale edges darker than centers, with faint irregular dark-edged pale markings over head and body, and very irregular dark brown blotches. Most much larger than eye, the two largest on lateral line to either side of middle of body; fins with dark dots.

Inhabits protected sandy bottoms of lagoon and seaward reefs.