Family : Serranidae (Sea basses: groupers and fairy basslets) , subfamily: Grammistinae
Order : Perciformes  (perch-likes)
Class : Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Fishbase Name : Barred soapfish
Fish Name : Diploprion bifasciatum
Max size : 25.0 cm TL (male/unsexed; Ref. 2272)
Environment : reef-associated ; depth range 1 - 100 m
Climate : tropical
Global Importance : aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)Distribution : Indo-West Pacific: Maldives and India to Papua New Guinea, north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe Island (Ref. 9710).
Diagnosis : Dorsal spines (total): 8-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-16; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 12-13. Body compressed, its width 3.3-4 in depth (Ref. 37816). Normally yellow, but sometimes nearly all black and juveniles take-on colors of the local venomous Meiacanthus blennies that are yellow or grey (Ref. 48635).
Biology : Mainly in coastal habitats in semi-silty conditions (Ref. 48635); also found near caves and crevices in rocky and coral reefs from a few meters to at least 100 m. A predator that feeds on surprisingly large prey, swallowed whole through its expandable jaws (Ref. 48635). Feeds mainly on fishes. Secretes the skin toxin grammistin under stress (Ref. 2334)
Threatened : Dangerous:  
Dangerous : harmless
Coordinator : Heemstra, Phillip C.
Main Ref : Paxton, J.R., D.F. Hoese, G.R. Allen and J.E. Hanley. 1989. (Ref. 7300)

India country information
Common Names : அனுவ மீன், அனோவா மீன், Anoovah-meen, Two-band sea-perch
Status : native
Salinity : marine
Uses : no uses