This species is found in coastal bays and deep lagoons. It inhabits seagrass beds or dense beds of algae (Kuiter and Tonozuka 2001). It feeds on these or the associated epiphytes (Bruce and Randall 1985). This species is well-camouflaged and easily overlooked (Kuiter and Tonozuka 2001).

Spawning at Aldabra Atoll was observed during January, August, September and October occuring above grassflats on the falling tide. Spawning was preceded with the males shaking its head from side to side while attempting to sit on the female's back. During sexual activity the yellow pectorals and yellowish head of the terminal phase male was very prominent and the body turned pinkish with a sooty overlay. The spawning act was very rapid; a terminal phase fish and an initial phase fish would leave the surface of the grass, rush towards the surface of the water and drop rapidly back down to the grass beds. The two fish, which were side by side, rotated in a spiral during the upward rushes. On several occasions, terminal phase males participated as satellite males in the pair spawnings. This species is a diandric protogynous hermaphrodite with both primary and secondary males occurring (Robertson et al. 1982).

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At Aldabra and coast of Kenya, this species is relatively abundant in seagrass beds (Robertson et al. 1982). It is common in preferred seagrass bed habitats (J.H. Choat pers comm. 2009).

Unknown

There are no major threats known for this species. However, habitat loss particularly of seagrass beds will likely impact the species population.

There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species. However, its distribution overlaps several marine protected areas within its range.