Indo-Pacific: East Africa and throughout the Indian Ocean to the Indo-Australian Archipelago and New Caledonia, north to southern Japan.

A pair of jet-black blotches on caudal fin placed between 3rd and 4th rays counted from above and below respectively. Body deep, its depth more than 1/2 of SL. Pectoral fin short, equal to or less than head length. In male, body on blind side stained with dark-gray.

Found on sandy and muddy areas of the continental shelf. Feeds on crustaceans, polychaetes, and other benthic animals.