Occurs in small groups along outer reef dropoffs of oceanic islands.  Intergrades with M. tuka in the West Pacific with confusing color patterns.  Males purple with orange flecks, red cheek stripe, white snout, and red outer dorsal rays, juveniles all purple with red caudal tips, yellow tail in Okinawa.  Attains 7 inches.  Indonesia to Okinawa and French Polynesia, excluding Hawaii.