Occurs in outer lagoon and seaward reefs, usually seen in small groups and school in some oceanic locations (Ref. 48637). Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302). Feeds primarily on the algal film covering compacted sand, ingesting the usual component of sand which probably aids in the trituration of the algal food in the thick-walled stomach, also feeds on diatoms and detritus (Ref. 3921).