Feeds on small crustaceans, benthic invertebrates and fish roe.
Able to change sex from female to male with growth. Study from Australia reported that females mature in 1 year at 7 cm (Standard Length) and change sex at age of 3 years, approximately 12 cm (Standard Length).
Reported to live up to at least 12 years.
Fast and wary swimmer. Not easily captured by cameras nor approached by divers.
Description
Terminal phase (male and female):
Body colouration generally green-bluish made up of dense, fine, pinkish vertical lines on body.
Head marked with irregular green or purplish-red bands.
Purple-pink pectoral fins bordered with blue edge.
Distinct yellow lunate caudal fin.
Males are more bluish overall particularly the head.
Initial phase (juvenile):
Body greenish brown dorsally, bluish white ventrally.
A dark spot marks middle of dorsal fin and on caudal peduncle.
