Indo-West Pacific: Persian Gulf to Taiwan, Indonesia and the northern coast of Australia. Not known from Japan, but may occur here. It has not been found at any islands of Micronesia nor Polynesia.

Recognized by the bluish lower half of the caudal fin and the lack of spots there compared to the upper half.

Occurs on shallow banks, but is not known from well-developed coral reefs. Benthic. In Hong Kong live fish markets. Usually taken by trawling in 30-45 m or by hand-lining over rocky banks; not found from coral reefs.