The common name, "rockmover wrasse", comes from their behavior of upending small stones and reef fragments in search of prey.

In juveniles, the first two dorsal fin spines are long and extended, drooping over the fish's forehead to form a "cowlick".

[4][6]Although little is known about reproduction of these fish, like other wrasses, they probably are able to change sex and are pelagic spawners, broadcasting eggs and sperm into the water column.

[7] One fish turns or shifts large pieces of debris or rubble, grabbing or pulling it with its mouth or pushing it with its snout.

Juveniles resemble algae and mimic the movements of detached, drifting seaweed by swaying back and forth in the currents.

In Japan, rockmover wrasses have been recorded constructing mounds made of coral fragments and sand to sleep in.

Shortly before sunset, the wrasse will move a few pieces of coral to open up an entrance, before diving into the mound to spend its night.