It is found in the Western Pacific Ocean, from Borneo to Vanuatu and the Yaeyama Islands to the Rowley Shoals and the Great Barrier Reef.

[1] It lives in mud flats and reefs, both coral and rocky, where it is often associated with sea urchins.

[2] It inhabits depths to 9 metres (30 ft), and can grow to lengths of 6.2 centimetres (2.4 in).

[4][1] This species is ovoviviparous, with males carrying eggs before giving birth to live young.

[3] It is a small bluish to bluish-grey pipefish which has a pale stripe along the dorsal side of the head and snout, and a dark fan-like caudal fin which has white margins and an orange base.