divepix - Greater Soapfish

Greater Soapfish

Aspect:	Bronze-stained grey-blue-white body with prominent rounded dorsal, pectoral, anal and tail fins.
Population:	Common, but difficult to spot as it seldom ventures out of recesses,
Notable feature:	Thin, pointed nose, eyes surrounded by darker large shaded area. Owes its name to a toxic "soapy" mucus it secretes when it feels threatened.
Environment:	Close to bottom in quiet waters, around rocks and coral boulder recesses, mostly seen at night.
Behaviour:	Extremely shy (always looks like a scared Cocker Spaniel dog).