Accounts of the natural diet differ. Some observations describe a heavily sponge-based diet supplemented with tunicates, jellyfish, soft corals, algae, and plankton, while other field work reports chiefly benthic algae. Either way, the species functions as an omnivore that grazes continuously over hard substrate, and captive feeding should reflect both the sponge and algal components.

Build the captive diet around sponge-containing marine angelfish preparations, Spirulina and other marine algae, nori or macroalgae offered on a clip, and meaty items such as mysis and fortified brine shrimp. Feed at least three times daily. Several small offerings spread through the day are especially valuable for a newly introduced specimen that is still learning to recognize prepared foods.

This is a territorial, semi-aggressive angelfish. A new arrival may be retiring at first, but it typically grows bolder and claims a defined territory within the aquascape. In its native range the species has been observed in small groups, yet aquarium experience suggests managing it as a dominant large fish paired with robust, similarly assertive tankmates rather than timid species.

Aggression concentrates on similarly shaped angelfishes. Introduce it after more docile angelfishes are already settled, and avoid housing it with members of its own genus unless the system offers exceptional volume and clearly separated territories. In mixed reef settings, exercise caution: documented targets include large- and small-polyp stony corals, soft corals, clam mantles, tubeworms, sponges, and tunicates. Juveniles frequently leave corals alone, but that restraint tends to fade with size, so a fish-only or lightly stocked invertebrate display with expendable sessile life is the safer long-term placement.