Metriaclima flavifemina inhabits the interfaces between sandy and rock substrates over slabs, above small areas of sand between rocks. The males are territorial and will defend their territories against conspecific males. A territory usually consists of an area of sand situated between rocks and males with territories at the bottom of reefs excavate a spawning cave beneath the rock. The females are frequently solitary but they can be found in small groups of up to 3 individuals. The juveniles and non-territorial adult males similarly occur in singles, pairs or in small shoals of 3-8 fish.