Adults occur in silty lagoons with large staghorn coral colonies, usually congregating in small groups (Ref. 48636). They are usually encountered alone or in pairs and hovers to about one meter or so above the coral substratum. Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate (Ref. 205). Males guard and aerate the eggs (Ref. 205). Relatively common at all sites where it has been observed (Ref. 48636).