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. 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.