Indo-Pacific: Madagascar to the Society Islands, north to southern Japan , south to Queensland, Australia; throughout Micronesia.

Adults pale with small black spots on face; black spots proportionally much larger in young.

Occurs in lagoons, reef flats and seaward reefs. Prefers protected inshore waters among dead corals, common in harbors and small caves. Probably nocturnal. Feeds on fishes and crustaceans.