Juvenile fish are dark blue with slightly curved, white lateral stripes.

[2] Pomacanthus navarchus is native to the tropical Indo-Pacific region, its range extending from Indonesia and the Philippines to northern and eastern Australia and Micronesia.

It can be found at depths down to about 40 m (130 ft) on outer reef slopes, channels and lagoons in coral-rich habitats.

[2] Pomacanthus navarchus is territorial and is generally found alone, but occasionally in pairs or small groups.

It inhabits the demersal zone, feeding on sponges, algae, tunicates, zooplankton and small invertebrates.