Adults occur mainly over rocky and muddy sea bottoms. Uncommon around coral reefs. Usually rest on the bottom. Juveniles may be found in shallow water, but adults are usually taken from depths of 210-990 feet (70-330 m). Feed on a wide variety of fishes and invertebrates. Most females transform to males between ages 7 to 14 years old. Susceptible to red tide toxin (Ptychodiscus brevi).