Hawaiian records show caught from surface to 900 ft but most abundant at 320 ft; more common in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands; tends to prefer reef areas with rugged terrain and strong currents. Occurs on continental and insular shelves and oceanic waters adjacent to them. Common on coral reefs, often in deeper areas near drop-offs to the open sea, in atoll passes, and in shallow lagoons adjacent to areas of strong currents. Coastal-pelagic near the bottom, near drop-offs at 1-275 m. Forms daytime schools or aggregations in favored areas (Ref. 244). Although active during the day, it is more active nocturnally. Viviparous, with 1-6 pups. Feeds on reef fishes, squids, octopi, crabs, lobsters and shrimps. Tends to be aggressive under baited conditions and readily enters into a frenzy feeding pattern, at which time it may become quite dangerous. Repeatedly incriminated in human attacks.