This species can be found from the Red Sea to South Africa and east to southern Japan, the Philippines, Australia and New Caledonia.

Also found around the Galapagos Islands[2][3] and now seen in rare instances in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

It is usually found under rock or coral ledges during the day and is active during the night, generally being solitary in nature.

The colouration of the body is dusky above and light below, the spines arising from contrasting spots (lighter above and darker below).

[2] Cyclichthys spilostylus feeds on hard-shelled invertebrates; molluscs, crustaceans and sea urchins.