Status at New Ireland. New record, based on specimens observed at Kavieng fish market in 2004–2005 by Jeff Kinch during CFMDP Survey. Specimens photographed at Lissenung Island by Dietmar Amon on 14 June 2007; a video of a specimen taken at Martha's Shoal, off eastern New Hanover, at 7–41 m depth, St. KR 122, in 2014 (identified by Barry C. Russell).
Distribution and habitat. New Ireland: 1, 2.—General distribution: Red Sea and East Africa, Seychelles and western Mascarenes east to Hawaiian, Marquesas and Ducie islands, north to southern Japan and Ogasawara Islands, south to Lord Howe Island. Found in clear lagoon reefs and seaward reef slopes, 6–150 m depth. Marine.