Greater Soapfish [Rypticus saponaceus]
Description
The Greater Soapfish is a member of the Spinycheek sleepers genus. It is native to the tropical western Atlantic Ocean. It is commonly found on coral reefs and in mangrove forests. This species can grow up to 30 cm in length. It is characterized by its dark brown to black coloring with small white spots. It gets its name from the soapy taste of its skin, which is a result of the toxic mucus it produces as a defense mechanism.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Fish
Actinopterygii
|
| Order |
Gobies
Gobiiformes
|
| Family |
Eleotridae
Eleotridae
|
| Genus |
Spinycheek sleepers
Erotelis
|