Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to Marquesas and Mangaréva, north to the Ryukyu and Hawaiian islands, south to Lord Howe Island.

Mouth white inside, contrasting the outer dark skin with small white spots.

Occurs in coral-rich areas of lagoon and seaward reefs from depths of 1 m to at least 36 m. Prefers very shallow depth and juveniles often in intertidal zones. Often seen hunting during low tide among partly exposed reefs. Feeds mainly on fishes, also on crustaceans, by day and probably also at night.