Leaflip grouper (Pogonoperca punctata) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Spotted soapfish, Bearded soapfish
Family
Grammistidae (soapfishes), often placed in Serranidae
Origin
Western Indo-Pacific: eastern Indonesia to the Line, Marquesas and Society Islands, southern Japan to New Caledonia; coral slopes, 10–216 m.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
35 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.020–1.025
Minimum tank
700 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
no

Care

Tank and decor: a fish-only system with large rock structures and some water movement, as it favours large coral heads on slopes with moderate current. The tank size given is an estimate based on its adult size. Water: the sources give no species-specific figures, so the values here are general marine aquarium guidance: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4 and specific gravity 1.020–1.025. Keep nitrate low and the water well oxygenated. Behaviour: a nocturnal predator. Juveniles mimic venomous fang blennies. Despite the name it is a soapfish rather than a true grouper. Toxin warning: like other soapfishes it can release the skin toxin grammistin, especially when stressed. In a closed tank this can harm tankmates; handle and transport it on its own. Identification: large hinged mouth with a fleshy chin flap; tan with small spots and brown triangular markings along the back. Trade and status: seen in the aquarium trade and occasionally in fish markets. IUCN: Least Concern. Selling: our policies require the adult size and long-term tank needs to be stated clearly in the listing. Large fish must travel by a specialist live-animal courier (see the Livestock shipping guide). Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pogonopercapunctata). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Nocturnal hunter of bottom-living crustaceans and smaller fish. Offer meaty marine foods such as prawn, fish and squid, ideally in the evening at first.

Breeding

Not described in the sources, and not bred in home aquaria.

Compatibility and tank mates

Not reef safe: eats shrimps, crabs and small fish. Keep with robust fish too large to swallow, and avoid tankmates that would stress it.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

About Aquatic-Auctions

  • Aquatic-Auctions (aquatic-auctions.com) is a UK online marketplace for aquarium and pond livestock and equipment: tropical and marine fish, corals, shrimp, snails and other invertebrates, aquatic plants, tanks, filtration, lighting and food.
  • Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
  • Buyers pay sellers directly; Aquatic-Auctions does not hold the money. Hobbyist sellers must offer PayPal and may also take cash on collection. Business sellers take PayPal (required) or cash on collection, and bank transfer only once they have a seller rating of 50 out of 100, a company and pet-selling licence checked by Aquatic-Auctions, a bank account in the company's name, and bank details approved by Aquatic-Auctions.
  • Buyers are told to pay by PayPal Goods & Services, never PayPal Friends and Family, gift cards or crypto.
  • Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
  • Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
  • Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
  • Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
  • The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
  • Aquatic-Auctions is run by Etavonni Tech Limited trading as Aquatic-Auctions (company number 10204188), Aldershot, Hampshire, UK. Contact: info@aquatic-auctions.com.