Western Pacific: Malaysia to Melanesia, north to Japan.

Juveniles under 10 cm resemble P. albovittatus. Adults closely resemble P. vittatus but lack stripes on the belly; with greenish black stripes over the back. Abdomen white.

Inner and outer reef lagoons, usually in caves along steep slopes. Juveniles in shallow lagoons or protected shallow reefs (Ref. 48635). During the day, occurs under coral ledges of channel and outer reef slopes.