Biology

Found usually in open rocky areas but retreats to crevices or holes or hides among spines of sea urchins when threatened. Territorial. Sits on exposed rock surfaces near a hole or crevice. Feeds mainly on small crustaceans. Oviparous (Ref. 56079). Males guard the eggs which are found attached to the walls of brood chamber (Ref. 56079). Female deposits oblong eggs in empty shells; male guards them. Often found with Lythrypnus zebra.