Biology

Adults inhabit shallow coral reefs and isolated patch reefs in deeper water. Feed primarily on algae but also on polychaetes, hydroids, copepods and ascidians (Ref. 9626). Aggressively territorial but only around a small area (Ref. 9710). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate (Ref. 205). Males guard and aerate the eggs (Ref. 205). Taken incidentally in traps and small-meshed beach nets (Ref. 5217).