This species inhabits lagoons and seaward reefs to depths of more than 50 m. It can be found alone, in pairs, or in groups. Its diet consists mainly of crustaceans, worms, and small fish that live in the sand.
distinctive characters
The first dorsal fin has 8 spines, the second dorsal fin has 1 spine and 28-31 rays, the anal fin has 2 detached spines followed by 1 spine and 24-26 rays, and the gill rakers on the first gill arch including the rudiments are 28-32. The snout is usually slightly angular, and the lips of adults are fleshy and pappilose. The breast is naked ventrally to the origin of the pelvic fins, though there may be a small patch of pelvic scales.