Ecology of Rypticus saponaceus
 
Main Ref. Randall, J.E., 1967
Remarks Inhabits shallow water on bottoms with eroded limestone or mixed sand and rocks, as well as around reefs. Often found lying motionless against rocks (Ref. 13121). Secretes copious mucus which makes its surface slimy and when disturbed the slime turns into a soapy foam. The mucus has been shown to contain a toxic protein (Ref. 3632). Nocturnal, frequently seen around the bases of coral colonies and near mouths of caves (Ref. 26938). Carnivore (Ref. 57616). Mobile invertebrate feeder (Ref. 126840).

Aquatic zones / Water bodies

Marine - Neritic Marine - Oceanic Brackishwater Freshwater
Marine zones / Brackish and freshwater bodies
  • supra-littoral zone
  • littoral zone
  • sublittoral zone
  • epipelagic
  • mesopelagic
  • epipelagic
  • abyssopelagic
  • hadopelagic
  • estuaries/lagoons/brackish seas
  • mangroves
  • marshes/swamps
  • rivers/streams
  • lakes/ponds
  • caves
  • exclusively in caves
Highighted items on the list are where Rypticus saponaceus may be found.

Habitat

Substrate : sand;: rocky;
Substrate Ref.
Special habitats Coral Reefs; Other habitats: deep-water corals;
Special habitats Ref. Simon, T., H.T. Pinheiro, R.L. Moura, A. Carvalho-Filho, L.A. Rocha, A.S. Martins, E. Mazzei, R.B. Francini-Filho, G.M. Amado-Filho and J.-C. Joyeux, 2016

Associations

Ref. Claro, R., 1994
Associations solitary;
Associated with Cleaned by scarlet striped cleaner shrimp, Lysmata grabhami, as observed on the coral reefs in Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles (Ref. 36810).
Association remarks A solitary species (Ref. 26340).
Parasitism

Feeding

Feeding type mainly animals (troph. 2.8 and up)
Feeding type Ref. Randall, J.E., 1967
Feeding habit hunting macrofauna (predator)
Feeding habit Ref. Randall, J.E., 1967
Trophic Level(s)
Estimation method Original sample Unfished population Remark
Troph s.e. Troph s.e.
From diet composition 4.06 0.48 3.94 0.62 Troph of juv./adults from 1 study.
From individual food items 4.00 0.61 Trophic level estimated from a number of food items using a randomized resampling routine.
Ref. Randall, J.E., 1967
(e.g. 346)
(e.g. oophagy)
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