Reported from Ambon, Moluccas (Ref. 6773), Secret Bay, Gilimanuk, on the west end of Bali (Ref. 116699) and Maumere Bay (Ref. 47567). Photographed from Lembeh Strait and Bangka Island, North Sulawesi; Pantar and Alor islands in the Alor Archipelago (Ref. 116699). This fish was observed to occur in the following habitats/collection sites: from 3-9 m, no deeper than about 18 m with large amounts of tree litter in the shallows, and a lot of trash, rubbish, and human refuse, especially those near native villages and towns (Lembeh Strait); no deeper than 6 m with bottom largely made up of very coarse sand or fine coral rubble, with some hard corals and gorgonians, numerous small cephalopods, many shrimps, crabs, other crustaceans, and lots of fishes, especially juveniles: small shark species, burrowing snake eels, 2 species of Rhinopias (R. Eschmeyeri and R. frondosa), and several other species of scorpionfishes and waspfishes, 2 frogfishes were observed, Antennarius striatus and this species (Pantar dive site, Alor Arch.); coarse sand- and rubble-covered slopes, with random solitary and encrusting sponges, hydroids, mixed with lots of human refuse, the latter more or less covered with organic growth, used by animals for shelter (Ambon Bay); and, on black sandy slopes and most commonly seen during night dives (Bali) (Ref. 116699). Also Ref. 48635.