Soapfishes

Sixline soapfish (Grammistes sexlineatus)

The Sixline soapfish (Grammistes sexlineatus) belongs to the family Grammistidae (soapfishes) and is found in the Red Sea, with a wider Indo-Pacific range. It is a carnivore and usually seen in groups or alone. It reaches about 27 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.

Sixline soapfish (Grammistes sexlineatus), a Red Sea fish of the soapfishes family
Photo: iNaturalist / Wikimedia Commons

Quick facts

Scientific nameGrammistes sexlineatus
FamilySoapfishes (Grammistidae)
Common name (IT)Cernia a sei linee
Common name (EN)Sixline soapfish
Maximum size27 cm
Depth1–50 m
DistributionRed Sea and Indo-Pacific
IUCN statusLC — Least Concern

Description

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

Where it lives

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

  • Red Sea
  • Indo-Pacific

Frequently asked questions

What family does the Sixline soapfish belong to?
The Sixline soapfish (Grammistes sexlineatus) belongs to the family Grammistidae (soapfishes).
Is the Sixline soapfish dangerous?
It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
Is the Sixline soapfish endemic to the Red Sea?
No — it occurs in the Red Sea but its range extends across the Indo-Pacific.
How big does the Sixline soapfish get?
It reaches a maximum length of about 27 cm.

Explore the Sixline soapfish in 3D in the interactive atlas →