Spotted Soapfish (Juvenile) (Pogonoperca punctata)

Also known as Bearded Grouper, Bearded Soapfish, Clown Grouper, Clown Leaflip Grouper, Leaflip Soapfish, Snowflake Grouper, Snowflake Soapfish, Soapfish

Description

Also known as Bearded Grouper, Bearded Soapfish, Clown Grouper, Clown Leaflip Grouper, Leaflip Soapfish, Snowflake Grouper, Snowflake Soapfish, Soapfish.

Found around large coral heads and slopes in moderate currents over lagoons and protected bays.
They feed nocturnally on benthic crustaceans and small fish.
Juveniles found over shallow protected areas.
Length - 35cm
Depth - 10-215m
Widespread Indo-Pacific

Soapfish are nocturnal hunters, some are seen in the open during the day and others are more shy and stay under cover of the reef.
Juveniles mimic venomous blennies.
They have a soapy toxin in their skin that releases when stressed to deter predators. Ref: https://www.fishbase.in/summary/Pogonoperca-punctata.html

Related creatures

Heads up! Many creatures change during their life. Juvenile fish become adults and some change shape or their colour. Some species change sex and others just get older. The following creature(s) are known relatives of the Spotted Soapfish (Juvenile). Click the image(s) to explore further or hover over to get a better view!

Spotted Soapfish

Spotted Soapfish

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1 comment

  1. Posted by Mark Schwedersky
    April 22, 2014 at 19:16 pm - 1 person found this useful.

    Photos were taken at Masaplod Sur dive site along the Dauin, Negros Oriental coast.

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