Rypticus maculatus

Behavior:

Whitespotted soapfish typically rest on the bottom during the day. They are common on artificial reefs and near coral heads and ledges. They are more active at night, feeding on shrimp, crabs and smaller demersal fish, particularly cardinalfish. Like other soapfish species, they secrete a frothy mucus when stressed.

Predators:

Sharks and eagle rays.

Did you know?

Soapfish secrete a toxic mucus as a deterrent to predators. The mucus covers their bodies and lathers up to a soapy foam when the fish is disturbed, hence the name soapfish.