Twobanded Soapfish

Care

This seldom seen Twobanded Soapfish makes for a great display in larger aquaria with similarly-sized peaceful tankmates. In the wild, the Twobanded Soapfish is found in silty coastal habitats and near caves and crevices amongst coral reefs of varying depths. The normal colouration is yellow with black markings, but some very dark (almost entirely black) specimens have been seen. Juveniles are said to take on colours of venomous Meiacanthus blennies for protection. As with other soapfishes, this species is capable of exuding the toxin grammistin from the skin, so they must be handled with care and placed in an appropriate setting where they won't be harassed by aggressive tankmates; grammistin can wipe out an entire tank. Although this is a fish of a peaceable nature, it will predate on most fish that it can fit into its expandable jaws, so tankmates should be at least the same size as the soapfish. Juveniles tend to be much hardier and take better to the export process than large adults, so it is recommended that younger individuals are purchased. Rarely aggressive towards one another, the Twobanded Soapfish may be kept in pairs or groups. A large shoal of these unusual fish makes for a stunning display in oversized aquaria. Ensure there is plenty of live rock to provide welcome shelter, with an open swimming space along the front of the aquarium. Well-filtered water is a must. May also be seen on sale as the Barred Soapfish.

Feeding

Offer a varied diet of meaty foodstuffs such as vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, Mysis shrimp, krill, finely chopped cockle/ prawns/mussel/squid/clam meat/ etc.

Breeding

Unknown. This species has not been bred in the home aquarium.