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
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