The fish spawn in inshore waters and live in rocky areas and reefs of up to  deep. They school, and will migrate between reefs. Larger fish are known to enter estuaries and harbours, for example Port Phillip Bay has a renowned seasonal snapper run.
Fish reproduce in shallow coastal waters and inhabit rocky habitats and reefs at various depths. They form groups called schools and move between reefs. Larger fish are observed entering estuaries and harbors, like Port Phillip Bay, where a notable seasonal snapper run occurs.