Author: (Risso, 1810)
Comments: Adults are found in the littoral zone, in rocky areas and seagrass beds.  Act as "cleaners".  Feed on worms, small amphipods, copepods, bryozoans and hydrozoans (Ref. 4742).  Males keep watch over <i>Cystoseria</i>-covered spawning territory though no nesting is done (Ref. 4742).  Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).  Males build dish shaped nests and guard the eggs (Ref. 205).