Biology

A territorial herbivore. Adults inhabit reef flats, shallow lagoons, and semi-sheltered reef margins; common among patches of rubble or porous reef rock, surrounded by live coral, particularly in areas of mild surge (Ref. 1602). Also in high energy zones with mixed corals and short algae. They occur in small loose aggregations (Ref. 48636). 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).