Usually found at or near the water surface. Juveniles occur among mangroves, estuaries and shallow, sheltered inner reef areas; adult occurs in a wide range of habitats from murky inner harbors to open seas. Active in daytime (diurnal) and solitary, but can also be found in small groups. Feeds on fishes, cephalopods (squid and relatives) and sometimes on shrimps. Rarely attacks humans, usually with one quick, fierce strike, which, although serious, is rarely fatal. This fish may be ciguatoxic. Ciguatoxins are toxins found in seafood that occurs from fish that consume dinoflagellates or other toxic elements and are then eaten by people