Indo-West Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, north to southern Japan, south to New Caledonia. Absent in the Arabian (Persian) Gulf.

Supra-temporal band of scales often interrupted by a V-shaped scaleless zone anteriorly at midline. Upper peduncular scale rows usually 11 (10-12); lower peduncular scale rows usually 15 (14-15). A small process on each ventrolateral surface of basioccipital for attachment of Baudelot's ligament, a prominent concavity on ventral surface of basioccipital separating it from condyle. Post maxillary process single; posterior end of maxilla blunt. Color: Upper body bluish, lower body white to pale bluish. Golden band from above the eye, running straight along the body to upper caudal peduncle and continuing on the caudal fin to the tip of the upper lobe, becoming near black on the fin.

Inhabits coastal areas, primarily around coral reefs. Found in schools in deep lagoons and along seaward reefs, mixing with other species of fusiliers.