Razorfish are often seen in groups. They swim together in synchronised movements with their heads pointed down in a striking vertical orientation. This posture likely helps with camouflage and protection, letting them dart among sea urchin spines or corals to escape predators. Unlike most fish, they have no scales—their bodies are covered in thin plates that act like armour.

Razorfish have an elongated snout and fused jaws that form a tubular feeding structure. They use pivot feeding—a specialised technique that combines suction and a swift forward lunge—to strike their prey with speed and precision.

Completely dependent on coral reefs and seagrass beds for shelter and food, razorfish are highly sensitive to habitat loss and degradation. Human activities that damage these coastal habitats can have serious impacts on their survival.