Inhabits coral reefs in Singapore Straits where it lives among the venomous tentacles of large sea anemones. Threatened due to habitat destruction from land reclamation and water pollution, uncontrolled collection of fish and host anemones for aquarium trade. Conservation measures needed include habitat protection and strict policing against illegal collecting as well as promotion on the sale of captive-bred stocks in the aquarium trade (Ref. 85309).

Status of threat: vulnerable (Ref. 85350).