Pogonoperca punctata
| Identification | A stocky brown-and-cream soapfish covered in fine white spots and dark saddles, with a fringed chin barbel. Related to groupers and basslets. |
|---|---|
| Maximum Length | 13.8″ |
| Origin | Indo-Pacific |
| Minimum Tank Size | 125 Gallon |
| Reef Compatibility | Not reef safe. A predator that eats small fish and crustaceans. |
Behavior
A hardy, slow-moving ambush predator that appreciates caves and overhangs. Like other soapfish it can secrete grammistin, a bitter skin toxin, when badly stressed or dying — in a closed system this can harm tankmates, so handle carefully and never crowd it.
Diet & Feeding
Meaty foods — mysis, krill, silversides, shrimp and chunks of marine fish, a few times a week.
Cautions
Secretes a skin toxin (grammistin) when stressed or dying — avoid rough handling. Will eat fish and shrimp small enough to swallow.