Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to the Hawaiian, Marquesan and Ducie islands, north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe Island.

Adults bluish grey to olivaceous brown in color, commonly pale anteriorly and on cheek and throat; short irregular lines on sides of body; diagonal lines on horn; lip edges blue.

Inhabit mid-waters along steep outer lagoon and seaward reef drop-offs. Also found along rocky shores.