Western Pacific: Indonesia and western Australia to New Caledonia, north to southern Japan. Recently reported from Norfolk Island and Tonga. Report from Réunion is probably a misidentification of Pterocaesio marri.

Body blue to greenish dorsally, white ventrally. With two thin yellow to orange lines; lower line mostly just below lateral line. Black tips on caudal fin. 4-5 scales on cheek; 24-31 predorsal scales; scaled dorsal and anal fins. Upper peduncular scale rows usually 12 or 13 (11-14); lower peduncular scale rows usually 16 or 17 (16-18). A broad process on ventrolateral surface of basioccipital for attachment of Baudelot's ligament, extending ventrally beyond a horizontal with condyle's rim, adjacent to condyle. Post maxillary with 2 processes; posterior end of maxilla tapered.

Found in coastal areas, primarily around coral reefs.