Prefers coral reefs and areas with sponges. Common in shallow reefs. Usually in pairs, often near sea fans. Feed on sponges, algae, bryozoans, zoantharians, gorgonians and tunicates (Ref. 9626). Oviparous, monogamous. Spawning pairs are strongly territorial, with usually both members vigorously defending their areas against neighboring pairs. Juveniles tend cleaning stations where they service a broad range of clients, including jacks, snappers, morays, grunts, surgeonfishes, and wrasses. At the station the cleaner displays a fluttering swimming and when cleaning it touches the clients with its pelvic fins