Western Central Pacific: Philippines to the Solomon Islands, north to the Marshall Islands, south to Scott Reef and the Great Barrier Reef. Recently recorded from Tonga.

Males recognized by the yellow pectoral fins, horizontal green band from tip of snout to above pectoral fin base and large individuals with oval yellow patch on caudal peduncle. Females plain yellowish grey with pale lines along abdominal area.

Inhabits lagoon and channel reefs, usually deeper 20 m.