Soapfishes are related to groupers and produce soapy bitter mucus to deter predators.  They prefer dark holes in the reef and are not commonly observed by divers.

Cabo Pulmo, Baja California, Mexico, 50 feet

Inhabits rocky reefs but may be seen resting on sand.  Attains 5 inches.  Baja California to Peru and offshore uslands.  Related to R. saponaceus in the western Atlantic.

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