Mainly in offshore reefs on the continental shelf (Ref. 30573, 48635), on rocky bottoms (Ref. 11230). Non-schooling. Juveniles under weed rafts and adults are sometimes seen with the large planktivores such as whale sharks (Ref. 48635). Adults feed on demersal fishes, cephalopods, and shrimp (Ref. 11441). Excellent food fish (Ref. 3197); marketed fresh and dried salted (Ref. 3287).