Rypticus bistrispinus
| Freckled soapfish | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Grammistidae |
| Genus: | Rypticus |
| Species: | R. bistrispinus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Rypticus bistrispinus (Mitchill, 1818)
| |
Rypticus bistrispinus, also known as the freckled soapfish, is a species of soapfish native to the western Atlantic Ocean.[1] Like other soapfishes, it has glands in its skin that are able to produce an irritating, mildly toxic slime.[2]
Description
R. bistrispinus has a fusiform body shape and can grow to a maximum body length of 15 cm. The body has a dark reddish brown color, with the sides and belly being yellowish or cream. Covering it are dark red-brown spots. It has three spines on the vertical edge of the preopercle.[2]
Distribution
R. bistrispinus is distributed across the western Atlantic Ocean in areas near the Antilles, the Bahamas, Brazil and southern Florida. It is a solitary species inhabiting sandy bottoms strewn with rocks and rubble, rarely being seen in reefs.[2]
References
- ^ "Rypticus bistrispinus (Mitchill, 1818)". Catalogue of Life. Retrieved 29 January 2026.
- ^ a b c "Rypticus bistrispinus summary page". FishBase. Retrieved 29 January 2026.