Also known as Sea Basses, Latherjacket, Three Spined Soapfish, Black Soapfish, Atlantic Soapfish and Soapy Jack.
Found singly on coral and rocky reefs, near caves and crevices, resting on the bottom during the day.
Feeding at night usually on cardinal fish.
They feed on small fish and shrimps.
Length - 25cm
Depth - 4-18m
Widespread Indo-Pacific

Soapfish are nocturnal hunters, some are seen in the open during the day and others are more shy and stay under cover of the reef.
Juveniles mimic venomous blennies.
There name is derived from the soapy toxin in their skin that releases when stressed to deter predators.