Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and east coast of Africa to French Polynesia. In the western Pacific it ranges from southern Japan to southern Queensland and Lord Howe Island. Often confused with Epinephelus fuscoguttatus.

Usually found in coral-rich areas of lagoon and outer reefs; in caves and large crevices to swim through. Most abundant around islands, particularly atolls. Usually in small schools. Feeds mainly on crustaceans (portunid crabs) and fishes, sometimes on cephalopods and gastropods. In the Hong Kong live fish markets. Frequently ciguatoxic in the Marshall Is.