Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Line, Marquesan and Tuamoto islands, north to southern Japan, south to the southern Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia.

Adults develop a convexly rounded prominent snout and unusually tall dorsal and anal fins. Side of body with vertical blue lines which break up into small blue spots dorsally and ventrally. A broad blue band extending from eye to front of rostral protuberance.

Occurs in deep lagoon and seaward reefs. Found forming loose schools along upper regions of deep drop-offs. Forms mid-water aggregations off steep slopes during the day to feed on zooplankton. Usually found alone or in pairs. Omnivorous. Has the ability to show or hide its blue markings.