YELLOW EMPEROR SOAPFISH (Diploprion bifasciatum)

Scientific Classification

ORDER: PERCIFORMES
FAMILY: SERRANIDAE
GENUS: DIPLOPRION
SPECIES: DIPLOPRION BIFASCIATUM

ICUN REDLIST: NEAR THREATENED

HABITAT

This species is a benthic species as they hunt for food in the substrate and tends to habituate in coral reefs and coastal waters. Can also be found in caves and crevices ranging up to 100m deep.

APPEARANCE

The Yellow Emperor Soapfish is primarily recognised by its bright yellow to pale colouring. It has a medium sized body, which can be covered in small ctenoid scales. It also can be distinguished by a wide black coloured bar which spans across the main body.

BEHAVIOUR

Usually found around coral and sandy areas and usually seen in pairs. They are fairly skittish of human presence and prefer to hide in caves when danger in present. They are called soapfish for the reason that when they are under stress the secrete an enzyme from their skin which is highly distasteful.

REPRODUCTION

Barred Soapfish fish tend to spawn at dusk, with the male fish creating provisional spawning grounds on reef edges. If a female comes to swim near to a male, he will start to swim in an exaggerated style, demonstrating mating behaviour. If the female fish is in spawning situation, the male fish will move above the female fish.

SIZE	Up to 25cm in length
WEIGHT	Unknown
DIET	Carnivore, preying on mostly other small fish
LIFESPAN	20+ years

CONSERVATION

Due to lack of data, there are currently no conservation actions put in place for this species. Yellow Emperor Soapfish haven’t been classified under the IUCN yet, however other species of Soapfish are categorised as being of ‘Least Concern’.

INTERESTING FACT

This species is known to secrete a skin toxin when threatened.

** This data set was written by Clem Carroll of Bournemouth University, England and edited by Stephanie Young**

***Identification of these species has been made through, photographic documentation cross referenced with external specialists and identification books. Any errors in our database will be rectified upon notification, if you feel that we have misidentified any species please help us to improve our research through our contact us page. All people involved will be acknowledge in the website and reports***