The Spartans under the command of Teleutias had earlier driven off the Athenian fleet blockading Aegina.
Soon after taking over, Hierax departed for Rhodes with most of the fleet leaving Gorgopas, his vice-admiral with twelve triremes as governor in Aegina, replacing Eteonicus who held the post before.
Gorgopas continued operations against the Athenian army led by Pamphilius who was still laying siege to the city.
The Spartans captured four triremes and forced the rest of the Athenian ships to retreat to Piraeus.
One Athenian unit under Chabrias lay in ambush while another under Demaenetus drew Gorgopas out of Aegina and into the trap by openly marching through the area.