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Bold-spot soapfish (Pseudogramma polyacantha) — Serranidae

Bold-spot soapfish

Pseudogramma polyacantha
Family: Serranidae
LC · Least Concern

The Bold-spot soapfish (Pseudogramma polyacantha) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
8.6 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–65.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Pseudogramma polyacantha is a small, secretive reef fish (family Serranidae) of the Indo-Pacific. The species reaches about 9 cm and has an elongate, brown-reddish mottled body. It lives hidden among the coral of shallow reef flats and lagoons and is also found under dead coral pieces, quickly sneaking away when disturbed. The species is solitary and feeds on small crustaceans and other small invertebrates. Because of its hidden habits it is rarely seen. It is harmless to humans and of no fishery value.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bold-spot soapfish?

The Bold-spot soapfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Bold-spot soapfish live?

The Bold-spot soapfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Bold-spot soapfish get?

The Bold-spot soapfish grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Bold-spot soapfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Bold-spot soapfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Bold-spot soapfish edible?

The Bold-spot soapfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Honingraat-baarsje sourced
English name
Bold-spot soapfish verified
Scientific name
Pseudogramma polyacantha
Family
Serranidae
Other names
False gramma; Honeycomb podge verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.6 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Marbled inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
65.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Pseudogramma

More from the family Serranidae

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