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Grammistes sexlineatus
Also known as Skunk Six-Stripe Soapfish, Golden Stripe Soapfish, Golden Stripe Grouper, Black and White Striped Soapfish, Skunk Soapfish, Skunk Fish and Chain-Gang Sea Bass. This fish has light yellow longitudinal stripes on a black body. They feed on small fish and shrimp, and grow to a length of about 27cm. Soapfish are nocturnal hunters, although some can be seen in the open during the day, while others are more shy and stay under cover of the reef. Juveniles mimic venomous blennies. They have a soapy toxin in their skin that is released when stressed, in order to deter predators.
Found singly hiding in recesses and crevices of reefs in lagoons and reef flats of seaward reefs, at depth of 0 to 20m. Widespread in the Indo-Pacific region.
Spotted this fish at a depth of about 30 feet.
Spotted on Jan 28, 2012
Submitted on Jan 28, 2012
2 Comments
No prob, Sam. I'm sure we'll find out sooner or later!
Oooh it's pretty. No idea what it is though :(