Rypticus saponaceus

FamilyScientific NameAuthorYearCommon Name
SerranidaeRypticus saponaceus(Bloch and Schneider)1801Greater Soapfish

All Rypticus — Anal fin with no spine and 13-17 rays. Gill opening restricted dorsally, with most of dorsal edge of operculum bound by skin to the body.

Rypticus saponaceus

Unique Characters: Dorsal-fin spines 3. Body with pale blotches; jaws and belly mottled. Pores on lower jaw and preopercle margin numerous, small, in scattered patches.

Similar Species: Whitespotted Soapfish Rypticus maculatus. Dorsal-fin spines usually 2. Body with distinct, small, pale spots; jaws and belly uniformly pale. Pores on lower jaw and preopercle single, distinct.

Rypticus maculatus
Whitespotted Soapfish – Rypticus maculatus

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