Indo-West Pacific: Sri Lanka to Vanuatu; southern Japan to northern Australia.

Deep-bodied. Scales center lighter than margins; lower 1/3 white, sometimes suffused by pink; prominent black markings on caudal fin absent. 4-5 scales on cheek; predorsal scales 20-26; scaled dorsal and anal fins. Upper peduncular scale rows 9-11; lower peduncular scale rows usually 12-14. Distinguished from C. teres in having a continuous supra-temporal band of scales across the dorsal midline. Basioccipital process for attachment of Baudelot's ligament absent. Post maxillary process single; posterior end of maxilla blunt. Color: Upper body if not yellow, grayish blue; lower sides and belly white or pinkish. Pectoral, pelvic and anal fins white to pink. Large yellow tail. Dorsal fin yellow posteriorly and grayish blue anteriorly.

Inhabits coastal areas, usually over rocky and coral reefs. Forms schools in midwater and feeds on zooplankton. Oviparous, with numerous, small pelagic eggs.