This pelagic species occurs in oceanic waters. It has a semi-obligate commensalism with large sharks, rays, other fishes, turtles, ships, and driftwood. Juveniles are often associated with seaweeds and jellyfishes. Larvae are epipelagic in ocean waters. Prey items include host's food scraps and small invertebrates. The only available data on maximum age (three years) is based on a few specimens kept in captivity (Reñones et al. 1999). Maximum size attained is 63 cm fork length, but common to 35 cm (Smith-Vaniz 2016).