Greater Soapfish

Rypticus saponaceus

The Greater Soapfish hides during the day in recesses and under rock overhangs. Occasionally they will venture out late in the day. If you are lucky enough to spot them during one of those times and wait a short while, they will eventually emerge again. Or use a flashlight to look into recesses during the day that are at  a depth of at least six feet. They are a mottled brown with white blotches or spots. They have a light grey streak that runs from their upper lip to the beginning of their dorsal fin. As you can see in the pictures they may have a green or blue cast to their fins. They get their name from a toxic mucus that is secreted through their skin.