This schooling, territorial fish occurs in the littoral zone, near rocks and eel-grass beds, also in lagoons. In summer ripe females show short ovipositor. Seaweed nest built by male among rocks or in crevices. Sex reversal sometimes observed. Feed on mollusks, hydroids, bryozoans, worms and various crustaceans (Ref. 4742). Males grow faster than females (Ref. 4742). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).