Spotted Soapfish

The Spotted Soapfish has a dark olive to brown body covered with small dark spots and a pointed head. A faint stripe runs from its slightly upward-pointing mouth over the top of the head, fading as it nears the dorsal fin. The dorsal and anal fins are tall, with the dorsal fin having a rounded lobe at the front.

This Soapfish is typically found alone, often hiding in crevices, under ledges, or beneath rubble. It is cautious and comes out at night to hunt, ambushing small crustaceans and smaller fish. When threatened, it can release a toxin from its skin with a soapy texture that helps protect it from predators.