Found over sandy areas of lagoon and seaward reefs (Ref. 9710). Juveniles are common in seagrass beds (Ref. 9710). Often in schools (Ref. 26938). Forms schools with the smallmouth grunt (Haemulon chrysargyreum), an association regarded as social protective mimicry (Ref. 52492). Feeds on benthic invertebrates (Ref. 7313). Feeds mostly on benthic organisms (Ref. 33, 26338). Microinvertivore (Ref. 33499, 057616).