Multispotted Soapfish
NameMultispotted Soapfish
Scientific NamePogonoperca punctata
Common NamesMultispotted Soapfish, Spotted Soapfish, Many-spotted Soapfish, Blotched Soapfish
FamilySerranidae
OriginIndo-Pacific, Red Sea, East Africa, Japan, Australia, Samoa
Temperamentaggressive
Dietcarnivore
Care Leveladvanced
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)180
Max Size (Inches)14
Water TypeSaltwater
Temperature Range (°F)72-78
pH Range8.1-8.4
Compatible SpeciesLarge groupers, Moray eels, Lionfish (with caution), Other large, robust predatory fish
Description
The Multispotted Soapfish is a distinctive saltwater fish recognized by its dark blotches and numerous small white spots. It belongs to the soapfish family and can secrete a toxic mucus (grammistin) as a defense mechanism when stressed. This predatory species requires a large aquarium and careful tankmate selection due to its size and potential toxicity.
