Saltwater
Greater soapfish
Rypticus saponaceus
Grammistidae
Facts
Characteristics
- Length
- Up to 35 cm
- Body shape
- Streamlined
Care
- Group
- Missing
- Smallest aquarium
- 1,044 liters
- Diet
- Missing
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Behavior
Water values
Smallest tank
Range
Native
Lives wild in Angola, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Benin, and 52 more countries.
More about the species
Description
Maximum depth from Ref. 126840. A solitary species inhabiting shallow water on bottoms with eroded limestone or mixed sand and rocks, as well as around reefs. Often found lying motionless against rocks. Secretes copious mucus which makes its surface slimy and when disturbed the slime turns into a soapy foam. The mucus has been shown to contain a toxic protein. Nocturnal, frequently seen around the bases of coral colonies and near mouths of caves.
Other names
Other scientific names
- Anthias saponaceus
In other languages
- Trepigget sæbefisk
- Lathercoat, Latherjacket, Northern soapfish, Soapfish, Soapy jack, Three spined soapfish, Three-spined soapfish
Articles
All articles
Fish that get along4 min read
Temperament, fin nippers, fish that eat other fish, and fish that need the same water. And what the Harmony mark in the app means.
How to add new fish4 min read
From the store to the tank: how to get the fish used to your water, why you should add only a few at a time, and what to watch for in the first few days.
Quarantine for new fish3 min read
Why new fish should live in a tank of their own for a few weeks before they move in, what you need, and what to look for.
From freshwater to saltwater3 min read
What is different in a saltwater aquarium: salt, refractometer, live rock and corals. An introduction for anyone thinking of giving it a try.