Reef-associated; non-migratory; marine; depth range 1 - 30 m (Ref. 1602)
Climate / Range
Tropical; 28°N - 28°S
Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Pitcairn Group, north to Japan, south to Lord Howe and Rapa islands. Countries | FAO areas | Ecosystems | Occurrences | Introductions
Short description
Dorsalspines
(total): 13 - 14;
Dorsalsoft rays
(total): 15 - 17;
Analspines: 3;
Analsoft rays: 14 - 16. Body yellow and large black blotch with blue circle on sides (Ref. 48636). Juveniles appear to be very similar in coloration to the adults except for the white outline of the black spot which disappears as the fish increases in size.
Occur in lagoon and seaward reefs in areas with rich coral growth (Ref. 1602). Juveniles may be found in shallow Acropora thickets (Ref. 1602). Adults occur in pairs (Ref. 1602, 48636). Omnivorous. Feed on coral polyps (Ref. 37816). Oviparous (Ref. 205). Form pairs during breeding (Ref. 205). This species is extremely difficult to maintain in an aquarium and is very rarely imported.
