Indo-West Pacific: Red Sea to South Africa and east to the Gilbert Islands. Probably found in all tropical islands of the Indian Ocean. Recorded from Europa Island.

Dark brown to black in color, occasionally with an orange cast. Inside of this grouper's mouth ranges from light pink to crimson. Juveniles have a white border on the caudal fin.

Found in coastal reefs and lagoons, often silty habitat, in or near caves and holes in the reef. Feeds mainly on small fishes (including Pempheris sp.), also on stomatopods (Pseudosquilla sp.); and crustaceans. Preliminary data indicate that it spawns at any time of the year and matures (females?) at about 35 cm. Small juveniles mimic Centropyge vrolikii, and C. nox until they outgrow their model in size. In Hong Kong live fish markets.