This solitary species inhabits the outer edge of the reef (Ref. 583). Usually beneath ledges or near entrance to caves (Ref. 42181). Benthic (Ref. 58302). A prized food fish with population greatly reduced in main Hawaiian islands due to fishing pressure, especially by spear fishermen. Stomach contents include small fishes (holocentrid, acanthurid and Aulostomus chinensis) (Ref. 42181).