Biology

Inhabits the sediment-rich regions and is often found over sandy and muddy patches between rocks. Abundant in waters > 10 m (Ref. 6256). Feeds by brushing the loose algae from the rocks and also on plankton in open water (Ref. 5595). Aggressive males exhibit territoriality over sand-dug nests. Females, juveniles and non-territorial adult males occur singly or in small groups (Ref. 6256). All males have only one eggspot on the anal fin (Ref. 47814).