Inhabits steep outer reef slopes, channel slopes, and on lagoon reefs from 2 to at least 60 m (Ref. 1602). Usually solitary but may occur in pairs (Ref. 1602). Juveniles are encountered in coral-rich areas of lagoon reefs, where staghorn @Acropora@ corals abound (Ref. 1602). Primary food are molluscs, fishes, sea urchins, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. One of the few predators of toxic animals such as sea hares, boxfishes and crown- of- thorns starfish (Ref. 1602).