Author: (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
FBname: High-hat
Comments: Occurs in clear waters of tropical islands, especially near coral reefs, but also in adjacent bays over rough bottom. Also often found under eroded edges of seagrass beds (Ref. 26938). Juveniles of about the same age, often in groups of 3-7, were observed in very shallow water under ledges or near sand pockets close to reef crevices, The young are usually found in small groups of the same age, in very shallow water under ledges or near sand pockets close to reef crevices,but may also be found in deeper water. Adults occurs among rocks, under ledges, inside caves and, eventually in the open. The species is mainly nocturnal, spending the day sheltered and feeding at night on sand, mud, and rubble bottoms close to the reef, feeding on crustaceans, polychaetes, small bony fishes, and zooplankton (Ref. 128874). Has been reared in captivity (Ref. 35420).