Indo-West Pacific.

Front of head red; postorbital head and body silvery white, edges of scales red; spinous dorsal whitish on basal half, red on outer half; median fins red with white leading edges, the lobe tips with a large black spot; paired fins whitish. Soft dorsal, anal and caudal fin with bright white margins and black areas at the tips.

Inhabits protected waters at depths greater than 25 m, often in silty reef areas than well developed coral reefs with clear water. Tends to hide in caves or crevices during the day. Capture by trawling was unexpected. Usually seen in pairs, but occasionally schools in some oceanic locations.