Biology

Inhabit shallow water, often subjected to surge. Juveniles secretive and remain in holes of outer reef flat and reef margin (Ref. 37816). Adults on shallow reef flats in high energy zones to about 10 meters depth. Juveniles among small boulders (Ref. 48637). Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302). Feed mainly on algae, but also takes polychaetes, sea urchins, brittle stars, mollusks, tunicates, corals, crustaceans and sponges.