This species is a primarily marine species, and is found in tropical Indo-Pacific coastal waters from 1-75 metres in depth (3-250 ft). This fish is generally uncommon or rare throughout its range, which includes East Africa to South Africa, through to Indonesia, and all the way to Japan and New Caledonia.
The clown triggerfish is most commonly found around coral reefs. It lives in clear coastal to outer reef habitats. Juveniles are rarely seen because they shelter in caves and crevices below 25m.