Greater soapfish

Description:

Max length : 35.0 cm; common length : 25.0 cm. A solitary species inhabiting shallow water on bottoms with eroded limestone or mixed sand and rocks, as well as around reefs. Often found lying motionless against rocks. Secretes copious mucus which makes its surface slimy and when disturbed the slime turns into a soapy foam. The mucus has been shown to contain a toxic protein. Nocturnal, frequently seen around the bases of coral colonies and near mouths of caves.

Habitat:

Sandy bottoms of dive site Tori's Reef, Bonaire.