{"product_id":"red-soapfish-suttonia-lineata","title":"Red Soapfish","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuttonia lineata\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, commonly known as the Red Soapfish, is a small, cryptic soapfish with an understated but highly distinctive appearance. Live specimens are typically dark red to reddish-brown with irregular darker mottling, while the lower portion of the head becomes noticeably paler. Its elongated body, secretive behavior, and tendency to remain close to coral and rockwork give it a fascinating presence for aquarists interested in unusual reef-associated marine fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNative to the Indo-Pacific, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuttonia lineata\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a reef-associated species found from shallow water down to roughly 200 feet. It is strongly benthic and cryptic, spending much of its time concealed within coral structure, crevices, and shaded areas rather than swimming prominently in open water. Adults remain small, reaching approximately 3.2 inches.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBecause this species is naturally secretive and not commonly maintained compared with more familiar reef fish, it is best suited to an established aquarium with peaceful tankmates, abundant shelter, and an aquarist prepared to accommodate its carnivorous feeding behavior. Its small adult size makes it suitable for relatively compact marine systems, provided the aquarium is mature and thoughtfully aquascaped.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Moderate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 20 gallons\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Peaceful \/ Predatory\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiet:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Carnivore\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e With Caution\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRegion:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Indo-Pacific\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuttonia lineata\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide an established saltwater aquarium with extensive rockwork containing narrow caves, overhangs, crevices, and shaded retreats. This species naturally remains close to reef structure and should always have several secure places where it can completely withdraw from view.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA densely structured aquascape is more important than extensive open swimming space. Live rock is particularly useful because it provides both shelter and opportunities to encounter small natural prey.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eModerate water movement is appropriate, but sheltered low-flow areas should be available around caves and feeding locations. A secure aquarium cover is recommended, particularly during acclimation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuttonia lineata\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a small carnivorous predator that should be offered appropriately sized meaty marine foods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuitable foods include enriched mysis shrimp, finely chopped shrimp, small pieces of krill, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped clam, and quality frozen carnivore blends. Small marine pellets may eventually be accepted by established individuals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBecause of its cryptic behavior, food may need to be delivered close to its preferred hiding area, especially during acclimation. Small feedings once or twice daily are appropriate. Feeding after the aquarium lighting has dimmed may also help shy individuals begin eating.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Red Soapfish is generally secretive and non-aggressive toward fish too large to be considered prey. It is better suited to calm community aquariums than systems containing highly aggressive or constantly active tankmates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChoose peaceful fish that will not occupy every cave or aggressively dominate feeding. Small gobies, tiny crustaceans, and other animals capable of fitting into its mouth may potentially be viewed as prey.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid aggressive triggerfish, large wrasses, territorial dottybacks, and other species likely to intimidate a small, reclusive fish or prevent it from feeding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuttonia lineata\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is best considered \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ereef safe with caution\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is not known for consuming coral tissue and is naturally associated with coral reef habitats. However, as a small carnivorous predator, it may consume tiny shrimp, crustaceans, and other suitably sized mobile invertebrates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEstablished corals and larger reef invertebrates are generally a much lower concern than very small crustaceans and tiny fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 75–80°F\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 8–12 dKH \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaintain stable water conditions with good oxygenation and consistent salinity. Because cryptic reef species can be sensitive during acclimation, avoiding abrupt changes in temperature and water chemistry is especially important.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVery secretive behavior:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Expect the fish to spend considerable time hidden within rockwork, particularly after introduction.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSmall adult size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Adults reach only about 3.2 inches, but abundant shelter remains essential.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePredatory feeding:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Tiny shrimp, crustaceans, and very small fish may potentially be consumed.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTarget feeding may help:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Newly introduced specimens may require food placed close to their preferred cave or retreat.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeaceful surroundings preferred:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Avoid aggressive or excessively competitive tankmates that could prevent this cryptic species from feeding normally.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"T","offer_id":51421715628330,"sku":"GROxSoapT","price":106.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"S","offer_id":52821129625898,"sku":"GROxSoapS","price":110.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"SM","offer_id":52821129658666,"sku":"GROxSoapSM","price":122.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"M","offer_id":52821129691434,"sku":"GROxSoapM","price":143.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"ML","offer_id":52821129724202,"sku":"GROxSoapML","price":158.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"LG","offer_id":52821129756970,"sku":"GROxSoapL","price":179.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/Red-Soapfish-1.png?v=1790953205","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/red-soapfish-suttonia-lineata","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}