Indo-Pacific: Sri Lanka east to Samoa and Tonga, north to Japan, south to Onslow, Australia.

Eyes on right side. Dorsal and anal fins separate from caudal fin; pectoral fins absent; pelvic fins unequal, the right one with an elongated base and attached posteriorly to genital papilla. Series of toxic glands along the bases of dorsal- and anal-fin rays, their pores visible. Reddish brown, densely spotted on head; body and fins of ocular surface also with spots of various sizes and shapes, bordered by a dark rim and some with a blackish spot on center.

Occurs on sand and mud bottoms of lagoon and seaward reefs.