Greater Soapfish

The Greater Soapfish has a gray-blue or gray-brown body with a mixed pattern of pale patches and spots. It has a pointed head, and its mouth angles slightly upward. Juveniles have a pale stripe that runs over the head and along the back to the dorsal fin.

This Soapfish is typically found alone in shallow waters, resting on the seafloor or lying motionless against rocks or ledges on the reef. During the day, it remains inactive. At night, it feeds by ambushing small fish and crustaceans. When threatened, it releases a soapy toxin from its slippery, mucus-covered skin. Greater Soapfish have been observed during night dives using the light from divers to locate and ambush prey, especially small fish drawn into the illuminated area.