Occurs in coral-rich areas of deep lagoon and seaward reefs from the lower surge zone to at least 50 meters, Ref. 48637. Feeds on a variety of benthic organisms such as algae, echinoderms, fishes, mollusks, tunicates, sponges, and hydrozoans. Has a territorial nature. Eggs laid as one cluster in a shallow excavation on sand or rubble along channels. (Ref. 1602). Marketed fresh and dried-salted (Ref. 9770).