Pacific Ocean: Cocos and Christmas islands in the eastern Indian Ocean; then from Moluccas to the Tuamoto and Austral islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to Shark Bay and the southern Great Barrier Reef and Rapa.

Caudal fin slightly rounded in initial phase, retained in terminal males with protruding lobes giving a double emarginate effect. Lips cover or nearly cover dental plates. Initial-phase fish without canines; terminal males usually with 1 upper canine and 2 on lower. The initial phase is characterized by a series of irregular dark chevrons which may be difficult to see on dark individuals. The basic color may range from a pale gray to a deep mahogany.

Inhabits lagoon and seaward reefs from 1 to over 50 m depth. Adults are common in areas with rich coral and high vertical relief.