Inhabits among rubble or live corals of seaward reefs (Ref. 1602), usually in caves and crevices with rich invertebrate growth to at least 40 m depth (Ref. 48636). Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302). Feeds mainly on benthic crustaceans, but also takes small mollusks, echinoids (sea urchins) (Ref. 1602), fish eggs, and crab larvae (Ref. 37816).