Western Pacific: southern Honshu, Japan to the Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia. Reported from the Similan Islands in the Andaman Sea and Guam. Recently recorded from Tonga.

Lacks a horn, has numerous black close-set spots on the upper half of its body and tail, and is white ventrally.

Inhabits coastal to outer reef slopes subject to strong currents. Sometimes in large schools (Ref. 48637). Generally uncommon species found in steep outer reef drop-offs.