Description

The Clown Grouper Fish, also known as the Spotted Soapfish, Snowflake Soapfish, or Leaflip Grouper Fish (Pogonoperca Punctata), is native to the Indo-Pacific, from Comoros to the Line Islands, Marquesas, and Society Islands, south to New Caledonia, north to southern Japan. It grows to 13.78″ inches in length. The body is dark brown and covered with small, white, tightly spaced dots. Five distinctive black markings are located on the base of the head, on the back, and on the tail.

These tropical reef-associated fish prefer large coral heads on slopes. Juveniles mainly inhabit protected bays or shallow lagoons. The Clown Grouper Fish or Spotted Soapfish requires a 65 gallon or larger aquarium. It can be compatible with other fish provided they large . It not a reef safe fish. fairly easy to keep fish. The Clown Grouper can be shy when initially introduced; over time it will spend more time in the open.

The Clown Grouper Fish or Spotted Soapfish also show a characteristic loose skin on the chin, hence the etymonology of the genus name (from the Greek pogon meaning beard andperke meaning perch). They have seven dorsal spines, 12-13 dorsal soft rays, three anal spines, and eight anal soft rays. The fins are rather clear.