Occurs in continental shelf areas as well as clear waters around islands (Ref. 5217). Large adults usually among rocks and coral while juveniles occur over sandy, vegetated (usually Thalassia) bottoms (Ref. 5217). Forms small aggregations which disband during the night (Ref. 55). Feeds both day and night on fishes, shrimps, crabs, cephalopods, and gastropods (Ref. 55) and other benthic organisms (Ref. 26338, 42771). Carnivore (Ref. 57616).