Barred soapfish (Diploprion bifasciatum)

Scientific name: Diploprion bifasciatum Cuvier, 1828

The Barred soapfish (Diploprion bifasciatum) is a marine fish of the family Serranidae. Native range: Indo-West Pacific, Maldives and India to Papua New Guinea, north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe Island.

Biology

Mainly in coastal habitats in semi-silty conditions; also found near caves and crevices in rocky and coral reefs from a few meters to at least 100 m. A predator that feeds on surprisingly large prey, swallowed whole through its expandable jaws. Feeds mainly on fishes. Secretes the skin toxin grammistin under stress.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Diploprion bifasciatum
Family: Serranidae (Sea basses: groupers and fairy basslets)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 25.0
Depth range: 1–100 m (3–328 ft)
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 100 m, usually 5 - 50 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Indo-West Pacific: Maldives and India to Papua New Guinea, north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe Island.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)