Diploprion bifasciatum Cuvier, 1828
Barred soapfish
photo by Caron Wong@114°E Hong Kong Reef Fish Survey

Family:  Liopropomatidae (Painted basslets), subfamily: Diploprioninae
Max. size:  25 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 100 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Maldives and India to Papua New Guinea, north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe Island (Ref. 9710).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-16; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 12-13. Body compressed, its width 3.3-4 in depth (Ref. 37816). Normally yellow, but sometimes nearly all black and juveniles take-on colors of the local venomous Meiacanthus blennies that are yellow or grey (Ref. 48635). Description: Characterized by having mainly ctenoid body scales; relatively deep bodied; coarsely serrate preopercle margin; rounded caudal fin; elongated pelvic fins (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Found mainly in coastal habitats in semi-silty conditions (Ref. 48635); also found near caves and crevices in rocky and coral reefs from a few meters to at least 100 m. A predator that feeds on surprisingly large prey, swallowed whole through its expandable jaws (Ref. 48635). Feeds mainly on fishes. Secretes the skin toxin grammistin under stress (Ref. 2334).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  venomous


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