| Grammistidae (Soapfishes) |
| 30 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
|
reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 130 m |
| Indo-Pacific: Red Sea to the Marquesan and Mangaréva islands, north to southern Japan, south to New Zealand (Ref. 5755). |
|
Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-14; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 9-9. Body dark brown with yellow stripes; small juveniles with spots, specimens up to 5 cm SL with 3 stripes, specimens at least 8 cm SL with 6 stripes, the number of stripes increases and may break into a series of dashes in large adults (Ref. 4326).
Description: Characterized by having cycloid scales; robust, elongate body, greatest depth at 2.2-2.8 in SL; rounded caudal fin (Ref. 90102). |
| Inhabits coastal waters over corals and rocky substrates (Ref. 5213, 48635). Usually hides beneath ledges and small caves during the day (Ref. 4326, 48635). Small juveniles have only two white stripes, dividing with growth into numerous lines. The lines break-up into dashes and spots when adult (Ref. 48635). Feeds on fishes (Ref. 4821). Has toxin-producing glands in the dermis (Ref. 4326) which is extremely bitter to the taste (Ref. 11441). Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 30874. |
|
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
|
| reports of ciguatera poisoning |
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