Whitespotted soapfish – Rypticus maculatus

Whitespotted soapfish, Rypticus maculatus, Rypticus maculatus
Size: 20 cm
Water Type: Marine

Rypticus maculatus, commonly known as the spotted sand bass, is a species of fish belonging to the family Serranidae. This marine species is found in the western Atlantic Ocean and is characterized by its distinctive spotted pattern.

Description & Characteristics

Rypticus maculatus is a relatively small fish, typically reaching a maximum size of 20.0 cm. The species is easily recognized by its brown to gray body, covered in numerous white to pale yellow spots. These spots are irregular in shape and size, and are scattered across the entire body, including the head and fins. The dorsal fin has 10 spines and 14 to 15 soft rays, while the anal fin has 3 spines and 7 to 8 soft rays. The caudal fin is rounded and the pectoral fins are relatively large.

Habitat and Occurrence

Rypticus maculatus prefers shallow, rocky reefs and sandy bottoms. The species is typically found in depths ranging from 1 to 50 meters. The spotted sand bass is a common inhabitant of the western Atlantic Ocean, with its distribution extending from North Carolina to Brazil. This range includes both the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, making it a prevalent presence in these marine zones.

Taxonomy

Rypticus maculatus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Serranidae. This family, also known as sea basses, includes a wide variety of fish species found in both freshwater and saltwater environments.

Feeding

Rypticus maculatus is an opportunistic predator, feeding primarily on small invertebrates and crustaceans. The species has been observed to ambush its prey from a concealed position, using its powerful jaws to crush its food. Its diet can also include small fish and other marine organisms.

Associated Species

Image References

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