Adults occur in shallow, clear, warm, coastal waters over coral reefs. Often near the shelter of elkhorn corals and gorgonians. Juveniles are encountered over sand bottoms with or without seagrass, and over muddy bottoms of lagoons or mangrove areas. Young sometimes enter brackish waters. Sometimes form resting groups during the day. Feed on fishes, shrimps, crabs, worms, gastropods and cephalopods.