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Fish Guide |  |
Family: Serranidae (Anthias, Groupers)
Natural Range: Red Sea, Indian Ocean, Indo-Pacific Region, Western Pacific Ocean
Depth: 3 to 426 ft. Size: 11.5 in. Jumps: No Space: 55+ gal.
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Caution
Diet: Crustaceans, small fish
Natural History: The Sixline Soapfish is found singly on lagoons, reef flats, and slopes in holes, caves, and crevices. It is a nocturnal hunter and will feed on prey as large as itself. Juvenile Sixline Soapfish are thought to mimic some cardinalfish species that may give it better access to potential prey.
Husbandry: The Sixline Soapfish is considered a hardy aquarium species that will eat nearly any crustacean or fish that it can fit in its mouth. Potential prey may include fish as large as itself, even other Sixline Soapfish. This species can usually be trained to feed on seafood chunks. The coloration of this species varies greatly throughout its life. Very small juveniles are spotted, while larger subadults are striped. Adults usually have stripes that are broken into dashes.
AKA: Sixstripe Soapfish, Goldstriped Soapfish, Skunk Fish