Greater soapfish

Appearance

Dorsal spines (total): 3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 23-25. Pale spots about the size of the pupil or smaller on body and some on dorsal fin.

Habitat

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.