Indo-Pacific: East Africa to Marquesan and Mangaréva islands, north to southern Japan, south to Queensland, Australia and Kermadec and Austral islands.

Reddish to tan with many dark bars on body; median fins with scattered dark spots; tentacle above eye long and with dark bands. Adults with bluish black blotches near the base of the pectoral fins.

Occurs in lagoon and seaward reefs. Hides in crevices under rocks and coral formations during the day and hunts at night. Typically with head towards the safety of their hide-out or narrow passage. Feeds on shrimps and crabs. Venomous and capable of inflicting a painful sting. Minimum depth reported taken from. Solitary or in groups, under ledges and holes.