Indo-West Pacific: Thailand to Vanuatu, north to the Ryukyu Islands and southeast China.

Body colors highly variable and best identified by the patterns on the fins. Lower 2 pectoral rays are entirely free and used as "walking" legs and the inner face of the fin is brightly colored.

Found on open sandy or silty substrates of lagoon and seaward reefs. Often buries itself and easily overlooked. Uses pectoral fins to startle predators and shows color during courtship. Feeds on small fishes and crustaceans. The venom of this fish can be deadly to man. Its ability to camouflage itself by living half-buried presents a real danger.