Greater Soapfish
Rypticus saponaceus
- Group: Other
- Typical depth: 1–70 m
- Max size: 35 cm
- For divers: caution
- IUCN status: LC
When this fish is handled or alarmed it releases a thick mucus from its skin that whips into a soapy lather, which is where the soapfish name comes from. It spends the day lying motionless against rocks and ledges on shallow reefs and limestone bottoms, hunting at night, and grows to about thirty five centimetres.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Perciformes › Grammistidae › Rypticus
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 275963.
FAQ
- How deep does the Greater Soapfish live?
- The Greater Soapfish (Rypticus saponaceus) is typically found at 1–70 m.
- Is the Greater Soapfish dangerous to divers?
- Divers should approach the Greater Soapfish with care.
- How big does the Greater Soapfish get?
- The Greater Soapfish grows to about 35 cm.