Blue/gray with blue lines on the lower body, large white-bordered black patch on the upper rear body, orange patch from the snout to the ventral fins. It lives solitary or in pairs.

Least concern on the IUCN Red list. The fact that this species is collected en distributed for aquarium holders does not have an effect on the global population.

Indo-Pacific: Sri Lanka and Cocos-Keeling Islands to the Hawaiian, Marquesan and Tuamoto islands, north to southern Japan, south to Rowley Shoals and New South Wales, Australia. Occur in lagoons and seaward reefs to a depth of 30 m, prefer coral-rich and clear water areas. Benthopelagic. Encountered singly, in pairs or small groups (adults often in pairs; juveniles solitary and inshore). Found in a depth range of 0-30 meters.

This species forms pairs during breeding. Oviparous breeding.