Indo-West Pacific: Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman to Fiji, north to southern Japan. This species has been referred to as Lutjanus spilurus.

Dorsal profile of head steeply sloped. Preorbital width usually less than eye diameter. Preopercular notch and knob well developed. Scale rows on back rising obliquely above lateral line. Generally bright yellow, including fins, with a series of blue stripes on the side. A round black spot, about the size of the eye or larger, is below the anterior most soft dorsal rays, touching the lateral line but mostly above it.

Inhabits sheltered lagoons and exposed, outer slope coral reefs. Frequently encountered in large aggregations including 100 or more individuals. Juveniles solitary and shallow in protected bays with algae and rubble substrates; large adults form small aggregations at moderate depths, usually in 30-40 m. Form large schools in some Pacific locations.