Biology

The species prefers shallow algae habitats at depths from 0 to 8 m, except for a single record off North Carolina (USNM 223537) caught at a depth of 31-33 m. A 44 mm SL female specimen (ANSP 148378) contained 2 embryos (12 mm TL) and 15 eggs (diameter 0.3 mm). A 37 mm SL female (ANSP 148378) contains 3 embryos of 8 mm TL, 1 embryo of 4 mm SL, and 10 eggs, 0.5 mm in diameter. The embryos have black eyes, but no pigmentation on head and body,probably due to bleaching (Ref. 57883). A cryptic species, locally abundant (Ref. 34024).