Arrowhead Soapfish Med

About this fish

Arrowhead Soapfish Med is a marine fish sold under the scientific name Belonoperca chabanaudi (often called the Arrowhead Soapfish or Chababanaud’s Soapfish). It’s a cave-and-crevice oriented predator that’s typically kept in mature saltwater systems where it can hunt meaty foods and feel secure. In practice, it’s best used for advanced hobbyists seeking an uncommon, behavior-rich fish that can coexist with appropriate tankmates (while still being a potential threat to anything that fits in its mouth). ([qualitymarine.com](https://www.qualitymarine.com/quality-marine/fish/basslets/belonoperca/arrowhead-11521/?utm_source=openai))

Features:

• Cave-oriented, secretive style of swimming and resting, making it a good candidate for rockwork with caves, cracks, and overhangs. ([fishbase.se](https://www.fishbase.se/summary/12622?utm_source=openai))
• Predatory and capable of taking small fish or crustaceans that fit in its mouth, so choose tankmates carefully. ([qualitymarine.com](https://www.qualitymarine.com/quality-marine/fish/basslets/belonoperca/arrowhead-11521/?utm_source=openai))
• Often described as leaving corals alone in typical setups, but it’s still best treated as a predator rather than a “reef-safe guarantee.” ([qualitymarine.com](https://www.qualitymarine.com/quality-marine/fish/basslets/belonoperca/arrowhead-11521/?utm_source=openai))
• Can release a defensive skin toxin (noted as grammistin) when threatened or harmed. ([fishbase.se](https://www.fishbase.se/summary/12622?utm_source=openai))
• Diet focuses on meaty, enriched foods such as frozen and live preparations. ([qualitymarine.com](https://www.qualitymarine.com/quality-marine/fish/basslets/belonoperca/arrowhead-11521/?utm_source=openai))

Specifications:

• Care level: Advanced / difficult ([qualitymarine.com](https://www.qualitymarine.com/quality-marine/fish/basslets/belonoperca/arrowhead-11521/?utm_source=openai))
• Temperament: Predatory; aggressive/territorial tendencies reported; not community-friendly ([qualitymarine.com](https://www.qualitymarine.com/quality-marine/fish/basslets/belonoperca/arrowhead-11521/?utm_source=openai))
• Adult size: Up to about 6 in (15 cm) ([qualitymarine.com](https://www.qualitymarine.com/quality-marine/fish/basslets/belonoperca/arrowhead-11521/?utm_source=openai))
• Diet: Carnivore; meaty enriched foods (frozen and/or live options) ([qualitymarine.com](https://www.qualitymarine.com/quality-marine/fish/basslets/belonoperca/arrowhead-11521/?utm_source=openai))
• Minimum tank size (guidance): ~70 gallons or larger ([qualitymarine.com](https://www.qualitymarine.com/quality-marine/fish/basslets/belonoperca/arrowhead-11521/?utm_source=openai))
• Salinity (SG): 1.020–1.025 ([qualitymarine.com](https://www.qualitymarine.com/quality-marine/fish/basslets/belonoperca/arrowhead-11521/?utm_source=openai))
• Temperature: 72–78°F ([qualitymarine.com](https://www.qualitymarine.com/quality-marine/fish/basslets/belonoperca/arrowhead-11521/?utm_source=openai))
• pH: 8.1–8.4 ([qualitymarine.com](https://www.qualitymarine.com/quality-marine/fish/basslets/belonoperca/arrowhead-11521/?utm_source=openai))
• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH ([qualitymarine.com](https://www.qualitymarine.com/quality-marine/fish/basslets/belonoperca/arrowhead-11521/?utm_source=openai))