Rypticus bistrispinus

Rypticus bistrispinus, also known as the freckled soapfish, is a species of soapfish native to the western Atlantic Ocean. Like other soapfishes, it has glands in its skin that are able to produce an irritating, mildly toxic slime.

Description

R. bistrispinus has a fusiform body shape and can grow to a maximum body length of 15 cm. The body has a dark reddish brown color with the sides and belly being yellowish or cream. Covering it are dark red-brown spots. It has three spines on vertical edge of preopercle.

Distribution

R. bistrispinus is distributed across the western Atlantic Ocean in areas nearby the Antilles, the Bahamas, Brazil and southern Florida. It is a solitary species inhabiting sandy bottoms strewn with rocks and rubble rarely being seen in reefs.