Biology

Inhabit coastal and oceanic waters associated with reefs (Ref. 9283, 58302). Occasionally enter rivers (Ref. 9283). Pelagic at 1-96 m (Ref. 58302). Adults are found in coral reefs and are mostly active at night or during twilight periods. During the day they are usually seen milling in stationary aggregations (Ref. 44894). Juveniles may be encountered in estuaries (Ref. 9283, 44894), occasionally entering rivers and penetrating well inland (Ref. 2847, 44894). Form slow-moving schools in the passes or outside the reef during the day, dispersing at night feed (Ref. 4795). Feed mainly on fishes and crustaceans (Ref. 9283). Marketed fresh, dried or salted (Ref. 9283) and frozen (Ref. 9987). Consumed broiled and baked (Ref. 9987).