This species is secretive and cryptic occurring on coral reefs where it hides among soft corals and benthic algae (Whiteman and Côté 2004). It inhabits lagoon and seaward reefs at depths 4-67 m (Myers 1999). It likes rich soft or hard coral growth or scattered algae and stays well hidden.

This species is a pair spawner (Donaldson 1995). At spawning both male and female assume a dark brown colour pattern without the normal white markings. It is monogamous. It feeds on benthic invertebrates (Whiteman and Côté 2004).

The largest recorded size was 9.5 cm TL (Randall et al. 1990). Mature females were recorded at 36 mm and males at 45 mm.