Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and southern Africa to French Polynesia, north to southern Japan, south to Australia. Reported from Easter Island.

Red in color with 15 small dark spots along lateral line; median and pelvic fins dusky red; black spot at base of first 3 pelvic rays.

Uncommon species found in outer reef slopes and deep lagoon pinnacles from 8 to at least 80 m. In small aggregations, sometimes schools in oceanic locations.