Biology

Adults inhabit lagoon and seaward reefs, usually in areas with mixed coral, sand, and rubble (Ref. 9710). Feed mainly on benthic, hard-shelled invertebrates, including mollusks, crustaceans and sea urchins (Ref. 5374). Young common on silty reefs, usually along edges with algae-rubble and sand (Ref. 48636). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).