Red Soapfish

Also known as the Three-Lined Soapfish or Three-Stripe Soapfish

The Red Soapfish is a beautiful and unusual species that brings vibrant red coloration and unique characteristics to marine aquariums. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to Hawaii and French Polynesia, this distinctive fish features a brilliant red to orange body adorned with three horizontal white stripes. While their toxic mucus secretion and specialized requirements make them challenging, their striking appearance and personable nature make them intriguing additions for experienced aquarists with appropriate systems and careful tankmate selection.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Grammistes sexlineatus
• Common Names: Red Soapfish, Three-Lined Soapfish, Three-Stripe Soapfish, Golden-Striped Grouper
• Adult Size: 10–12 inches (25–30 cm); commonly 8–10 inches in aquariums
• Lifespan: 8–12 years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful but predatory; will consume small fish
• Reef Compatibility: Not reef-safe – predatory toward small fish and mobile invertebrates
• Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons minimum (125+ gallons recommended)
• Experience Level: Advanced to Expert – requires specialized precautions

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat: Found on coral reefs, rocky areas, and caves at depths of 3–430 feet. Often hides in crevices during day and emerges at dusk to hunt.

Tank Environment:

• Multiple caves and hiding spots
• Secure rockwork formations
• Moderate open swimming space
• Heavy, secure lid
• Oversized protein skimmer and chemical filtration (activated carbon) essential
• Peaceful to semi-aggressive tankmates
• FOWLR system recommended

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
• Salinity: 1.023–1.025 specific gravity
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <30 ppm
• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Diet & Feeding

Recommended Foods:

• Fresh/frozen fish, shrimp, squid, krill (primary diet)
• Silversides, chopped seafood
• Live feeder fish (quarantined, occasional)
• Marine carnivore pellets (once established)
• Varied meaty diet

Feeding Schedule:

• Feed 3–4 times weekly for adults
• Juveniles require daily feeding
• Use feeding tongs or stick
• Remove uneaten food promptly
• Generally accepts prepared foods readily

Behavior & Compatibility

Tank Mates:

• Compatible with: Large tangs (8+ inches), large angelfish, large wrasses, triggerfish, pufferfish, lionfish (similar size)
• Caution with: Semi-aggressive species, other soapfish
• Avoid: All small fish (under 4 inches), ornamental shrimp, crabs, aggressive species that may stress it

Social Behavior:

• Generally peaceful toward larger fish
• Predatory toward small fish
• Hides frequently, especially when acclimating
• May become bolder and more visible once established
• Best kept as single specimen
• More active during dawn/dusk

Toxin Warning: CRITICAL: Soapfish produce grammistin, a toxic mucus secretion released when severely stressed, injured, or dying. This toxin can kill all fish in the aquarium. Prevent stress through: peaceful tankmates only, excellent water quality, no sudden changes, gentle handling, large protein skimmer with chemical filtration. Have emergency water change supplies ready. Signs of impending toxin release: excessive mucus, rapid color dulling, erratic behavior.

Reef Compatibility: Not reef-safe; will consume small fish and mobile invertebrates. Generally ignores corals but may knock over unsecured decorations. Best suited for fish-only with live rock (FOWLR) systems.

Color & Development

Coloration: Brilliant red to reddish-orange body with three prominent horizontal white to cream stripes running from head to tail; stripes may have yellow highlights; juveniles show more vivid red coloration; body may show spotting or mottling between stripes.

Color Intensity:

• High-quality diet maintains vibrant red coloration
• Stress causes rapid color fading (warning sign)
• Stripes remain distinct throughout life
• Color may darken slightly with age
• Excellent water quality essential for optimal appearance

Size & Growth:

• Juveniles typically available at 3–5 inches
• Moderate growth rate: 2–3 inches annually
• Reach 8–10 inches within 3–4 years
• Growth slows after reaching 8 inches

Why Choose a Quarantined Red Soapfish?

A properly quarantined Red Soapfish is a healthier, less stressed specimen that has been observed, treated, and conditioned for aquarium life. Our quarantine protocol includes 4–6 weeks minimum observation (critical for stress assessment), preventative parasite treatment, dietary conditioning to frozen foods, stress tolerance evaluation, and behavioral assessment to ensure stable temperament.

These striking fish combine brilliant red-and-white striping with interesting behavior and moderate size, making them attractive centerpieces for experienced aquarists who can provide appropriate care. Their peaceful temperament toward larger fish and personable nature create engaging interactions, but success requires unwavering commitment to stress prevention and proper water quality. Perfect for dedicated aquarists seeking an unusual, colorful predator who understand and accept the specialized responsibilities of keeping toxic species.