It is known from the Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Atoll.

[2][4] This fish has a red coloration with white stripes running along the body.

It has sharp gill spines and rough scales that can cause the fish to be snagged in netting materials.

[5] Sargocentron xantherythrum is usually found in reefs in tropical climates and lives in depths of 1–217 m (3 ft 3 in – 711 ft 11 in).

[2] This is a nocturnal species that inhabits seaward reefs below the surge zone, and is common near caves and ledges.