Adults occur in steep outer reef, occasionally in deep lagoons and along channel walls, usually in current prone habitats and where there are abundant gorgonian and long sea-whip corals on which they lay and guard eggs. Juveniles in small groups often found among large sea fans or black corals. Feed on zooplankton (Ref. 7247). 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).