Rypticus bistrispinus

(Mitchill, 1818)

Freckled Soapfish

Range: Western Atlantic Ocean: Southern Florida to the Bahamas, and south to Brazil.

Size: 6 inches (15 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits coastal rocky and sandy bottom areas near reefs and is found at depths between 3 – 150 feet (1 – 45 m) where it feeds mainly on small fishes.

General Husbandry: Rarely ever seen in the trade, having brownish body with many small brown spots/freckles, and a cream colored belly.

Can be maintained in a reef or fish-only aquarium with several hiding places, as it’s initially quite shy. Yet will leave hiding places when food is introduced into the aquarium, where it will grab its share, then return to its hiding area. As time passes, may become more social and spend most of its time in open areas. Not aggressive, except to tankmates that can be swallowed.

As to diet, products such as marine fish and crustacean flesh, clams, and other marine meaty foods should make up the majority of their diet. Therefore a meaty diet such as enriched chopped fresh fish or shrimp flesh, and/or frozen carnivore foods should be fed at least once per day.

May be difficult to feed in the early days in the aquarium and if so, (if small live marine fish are not available) live glass/grass shrimp and/or small crabs, e.g., fiddler crabs may be needed to sustain the fish.

Taxonomy:

Order: Perciformes

Suborder: Percoidei

Family: Serranidae

Subfamily: Grammistinae

Genus: Rypticus

FYI: Not safe with smaller fishes, small crabs, or small ornamental crustaceans.

Prefers to hide in caves and may be seen more often if maintained in a dimly lit tank.

As with all soapfish, if stressed, may release a toxic substance (grammistin) from the skin that could kill itself and all tankmates.

Prevent any stressful conditions in the tank!

Experience Level: Intermediate

Temperament: Semi-aggressive (will eat smaller fish and crustaceans)

Diet: Carnivore

Coral Safe: Yes

Fish Safe: With caution

Invertebrate Safe: With caution

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Environment: Fish-only aquarium

Tankmates: Peaceful to moderately aggressive

Minimum Tank Size: 100+ gallons

Temperature Range: 72 - 81°F (22 – 27°C)

Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026

pH: 8.0 - 8.5