A schooling species generally not far from the coast, in coastal marine and brackish waters to at least 300 feet (100 m) depth. Juveniles often found in association with floating Sargassum (a large brown seaweed), often entering lagoons and estuaries. Adults feed on fishes, shrimps, and other invertebrates. They spawn offshore from January through August. Eggs dift out to the open sea (pelagic).