Biology

Adults inhabit lagoons, coastal embayments, reef passages and outer reefs. Juveniles often found among Sarcophyton and Sinularia soft corals. Feeding aggregations are frequently observed over growths of the staghorn coral Acropora. Feed on zooplankton and filamentous algae (Ref.1602). The stomach contents of a specimen included larval crabs and shrimps, fish eggs, and algae. 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).