Goldenstriped soapfish, scientifically known as Grammistes sexlineatus, is a type of marine fish related to groupers.
It’s also known by several names like Lined Soapfish, Golden-Striped Bass, Radio Fish, Sixline Soapfish, Six-Lined Perch, or White-Lined Rock Cod.
It’s found in the Indo-Pacific region, living in coastal waters near corals and rocks.
Goldenstriped soapfish likes to hide under ledges and in small caves during the day.
As young fish, they have two white stripes that change into multiple lines as they grow.
In adulthood, these lines turn into dashes and spots.
Goldenstriped soapfish eats other fish and has toxic glands in its skin that taste extremely bitter. This fish is not reef-safe.
Goldenstriped Soapfish Interesting Facts
- Goldenstriped soapfish changes appearance as it grows with white stripes in youth and multiple lines and then dashes and spots in adulthood.
- This fish is found in the Indo-Pacific region, prefers marine environments near reefs, and swims at depths of 1 to 130 meters.
- Not reef safe and possesses toxic glands in its skin, which taste extremely bitter.
- Grows up to 11.8 inches (30.0 centimeters) with a robust body; has smooth scales and a rounded tail fin.
Goldenstriped Soapfish Habitat
Goldenstriped soapfish lives in the Indo-Pacific region, specifically from the Red Sea to islands like Marquesan and Mangaréva.
You can also find it in southern Japan and New Zealand.
This fish prefers marine environments near reefs and typically swims at depths of 1 to 20 meters, but can go as deep as 130 meters.
It thrives in tropical waters between 32°N and 23°S latitudes.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Goldenstriped Soapfish Physical Characteristics
Size: 11.8 inches (30.0 centimeters)
Goldenstriped soapfish can grow up to 11.8 inches (30.0 centimeters) in length.
It has 7 dorsal spines, 13 to 14 dorsal soft rays, 2 anal spines, and 9 anal soft rays.
Its body is dark brown with yellow stripes that vary depending on its size. Small juveniles exhibit spots.
While fish that are up to 5 cm long have 3 stripes, and those that measure at least 3.2 inches (8 cm) in length have 6 stripes.
In adults, the number of stripes increases and may become dashes.
This fish has smooth scales and a robust, elongated body that gets wider at about 2 to 3 times its length. Its tail fin is rounded.
Goldenstriped Soapfish Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Serranidae |
| Genus: | Grammistes |
| Scientific Name: | Grammistes sexlineatus |
| Also Known As: | Goldenstriped Soapfish, Lined Soapfish, Golden-striped Bass, Radio Fish, Sixline Soapfish, Six-lined Perch, White-lined Rock Cod |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |