Biology

Found almost exclusively in the surge zone of outer reef flats, reef margins, and rocky coastlines, down to a depth of about 10 m (Ref. 5213). Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302). Occur in groups of females that are spread out over large reef sections and dominated by few males. Males grow much larger than females (Ref. 48636). Feed on small invertebrates (crabs, sea urchins, brittlestars, mollusks), small fishes, echinoids, ophiuroids and polychaetes (Ref. 37816). Protogynous (Ref. 55080).