Biology

Adults inhabit coastal reefs and lagoons on sand and rubble margins of algal reefs and sometimes near seagrass beds (Ref. 48637). Feed by sifting mouthfuls of sand and expelling it through the gills, to capture small invertebrates, organic matter, and large quantities of algae. Monogamous (Ref. 52884). Spawning is synchronous with semilunar periods (Ref. 84980). Eggs are deposited in burrows which are tended by the male parent (Ref. 55919, 84980). Minimum depth reported from Ref. 27115. Also Ref. 58652.