---
title: Gold-Ribbon Soapfish (Aulacocephalus temminckii)
scientific_name: Aulacocephalus temminckii
common_name: Gold-Ribbon Soapfish
taxon: Soapfishes
conservation_status: LC - Least Concern
published: 2024-10-31T21:15:54.890Z
updated: 2026-08-08T10:59:17.629Z
tags: Gold-Ribbon Soapfish, Aulacocephalus temminckii, Soapfishes, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/soapfishes/gold-ribbon-soapfish
---

# Gold-Ribbon Soapfish (*Aulacocephalus temminckii*)

## Quick facts

- **Group:** Soapfishes (*Grammistini*)
- **Size:** up to 40 cm
- **Depth:** 20-604 m
- **Diet:** Carnivore
- **Habitat:** Rocky reefs, caves & crevices
- **Hazard:** Poisonous
- **Conservation status:** LC - Least Concern

The Gold-Ribbon Soapfish, Aulacocephalus temminckii, has a deep blue body marked with a bold yellow stripe. This stripe extends from the snout, passes through the eye, and runs along the back to the base of the caudal fin. The species attains a maximum standard length of 40 centimetres (16 in). Its dorsal fin contains 9 spines and 12 soft rays, while the anal fin has 3 spines and 9 soft rays. The scientific name temminckii honours Dutch zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck.

This serranid fish belongs to the grouper subfamily Epinephelinae and is found across the Indo-Pacific, including the northern Red Sea. It inhabits rocky reefs, typically living in caves and underneath crevices at depths ranging from 20 to 604 metres (66 to 1,982 ft). A carnivorous species, it preys on fishes and crustaceans. The Gold-Ribbon Soapfish possesses a unique chemical defense: its skin produces grammistin, a bitter-tasting toxin. Production of this toxin increases significantly when the fish is threatened.

## Also known as

- **English:** Goldribbon soapfish, Gold ribbon grouper, Goldribbon cod
- **French:** Le roi la boue, Poisson-savon à ligne d'or, Savon à bande jaune
- **Japanese:** ルリハタ, Rurihata

## Scientific synonyms

- *Aulacocephalus saponaceus* (Valenciennes, 1862)
- *Aulacocephalus schlegeli* Günther, 1859
- *Aulacocephalus schlegelii* Günther, 1859
- *Aulacocephalus temmincki* Bleeker, 1855
- *Centropristes savonaceus* Valenciennes, 1862
- *Centropristis saponaceus* Valenciennes, 1862

## Range

New Zealand

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*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/soapfishes/gold-ribbon-soapfish)*
*Updated: August 8, 2026*