Biology

Adults inhabit coral and rocky reefs (Ref. 9334). Omnivorous (Ref. 9334). Adults are territorial and aggressive, vigorously driving off other fishes and certain invertebrates from their feeding and reproductive territories. They graze on algae and invertebrates including tubeworms, small crustaceans, and the tentacles of anemones (Ref. 28023). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate (Ref. 205). Males guard and aerate the eggs (Ref. 205).