| Remarks |
The habitat consists of shallow reefs exposed to wave action (Ref. 58534) . Feeds on dense stands of algae growing on exposed rock areas (Ref. 28026, 43650). The collapsible scalpel-like spine on each side of the tail base is venomous and capable of causing very painful wounds if the fish is carelessly handled. Strongly territorial, aggressively chasing away intruders that enter their domain (Ref. 54301). Attacks are mainly against other algal-feeding fishes such as surgeonfishes, parrotfishes and triggefishes. This behaviour ensures an adequate supply of seaweed-covered turf, which is its sole food source (Ref. 54301). Diurnal species (Ref. 113699, page 31); courtship takes place at various times of the day, spawning peaks in the morning, but may also occur from midday to afternoon, and is often confined to ebb tides (Ref. 38697). |