Pogonoperca ocellata Günther, 1859
Indian soapfish
photo by Steene, R.

Family:  Grammistidae (Soapfishes)
Max. size:  30 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 100 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific Ocean: Andaman Is., Reunion, Mauritius, Seychelles, Maldives, Indonesia and Vietnam.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-13; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Adults have white spots all over that are close-set and form reticulated patterns, including on the median fins. The first dorsal fin is pale yellow in adults (Ref. 48635). Description: Characterized by its greatest depth of body at 2.2-2.7 in SL; 3-5 short spines at posterior margin of opercle; tip on chin with fleshy barbel; rounded caudal fin (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Found in deep water coral heads and rocky reefs, over 25 m (Ref. 48635).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 19 July 2017 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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