Biology

Occurs in lagoon and seaward reefs; prefers areas of mixed coral, rock, or sand at the base of reefs or ledges, Ref. 48637. Also on silty reefs (Ref. 9710). Found singly (Ref. 9710). Juveniles mimic Centropyge spp. (in Guam, juveniles mimic C. flavissimus but in Palau where this species is absent, they mimic C. vrolikii), Ref. 48637. Presence of a venom gland could not be determined despite the presence of distinct anterolateral grooves; this may be due to the loss of venom glands in adults (Ref. 57406).