Indo-Pacific: western Indian Ocean to the Austral Islands, north to southern Japan and Hawaii, south to Lord Howe Island. Eastern Central Pacific: Mexico and the Revillagigedo Islands.

Sometimes has faint chevron bars similar to those of C. ferdau, but nearly has a few small yellow blotches on its sides. Large individuals develop a terminal snout and elongate points on the soft dorsal and anal fins.

Abundant around oceanic islands while not found in neritic areas. Pelagic. May be encountered in solitary, pairs or small schools. Schools frequent sandy river basins, sandy channels of lagoon and seaward reefs. Feed on small crustaceans in the sand.