Diurnal grazer on sessile invertebrates and algae but specializes to a larger extent on sponges. Also feeds on plankton. Reproduction occurs in late summer. Females are more territorial and form pair bonds with the males. Oviparous (Ref. 240), monogamous (Ref. 52884). Sometimes forms mixed aggregations with Pomacanthus zonipectus (Ref. 9333). Cleaning behavior has been observed in juveniles.