Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to Papua New Guinea, north to southern Japan, south to Australia.

Basically white with black blotches and interspaces forming a honeycomb pattern. Some individuals have a near black overall appearance. Blotches variable between individuals and size, often in relation to habitat - those in clear coral reefs usually have proportionally less black than those found in turbid waters.

Inhabits reef flats and outer reef slopes of continental reefs). One of the two largest of Indo-Pacific morays. Often in holes with cleaner wrasses or shrimps. Feeds on cephalopods and small fishes. Large adults may be aggressive.