Indo-West Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to New Caledonia, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to the Great Barrier Reef. Recently reported from Tonga.

Resembles C. fulvoguttatus, but can be distinguished by the naked area of the breast extending up to the pectoral fin base, and the tip of the upper jaw located almost on a level with the lower margin of the eye. The spots on the sides are fewer than in C. fulvoguttatus.

Inhabits deep offshore reefs. Found near corals and rocks. Juveniles form small schools. Large individuals solitary. Feeds on shrimp and small fish.