Common in exposed seaward reefs but also found in lagoon reefs. Solitary or in small groups of up to 5 individuals (Ref. 9286). Feeds on a wide variety of animal prey including hydroids, fish eggs, small crustaceans but prefers tubed feet of echinoderms, pedicilaria of sea urchins, and polychaete tentacles (Ref. 1602). Second most important export in Hawaii (Ref. 37816).