Rypticus bistrispinus
| Freckled soapfish | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Division: | Teleostei |
| 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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]- ↑ "Rypticus bistrispinus (Mitchill, 1818)". Catalogue of Life. Retrieved 29 January 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Rypticus bistrispinus summary page". FishBase. Retrieved 29 January 2026.
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