Blue Arrowhead Soapfish

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About the Blue Arrowhead Soapfish

The Blue Arrowhead Soapfish (Belonoperca chabanaudi) is a rare and highly unusual marine fish from the Serranidae family. It is also known simply as the Arrowhead Soapfish or Chabanaud's Soapfish. The species is recognised by its distinctive arrow-shaped body profile, large mouth and attractive pale-to-bluish coloration. The species is documented in Australian Coral Sea fishery records under the name Blue Arrowhead Soapfish.

Unlike the brightly coloured reef fish commonly seen in the aquarium trade, this is a more unusual predatory species. Its large mouth allows it to consume surprisingly substantial prey, so tank mates should be selected carefully.

Provide plenty of live rock, caves and shaded areas where the fish can retreat. Although it can be shy initially, a settled specimen can become a confident and fascinating feature fish.

An important consideration with all soapfish is their ability to produce soap-like toxins (grammistins) when severely stressed or threatened. For this reason, avoid placing them with aggressive fish and take care when transporting or handling them.

Quick Care Guide

• Scientific Name: Belonoperca chabanaudi
• Common Name: Blue Arrowhead Soapfish, Arrowhead Soapfish
• Family: Serranidae
• Type: Marine Predatory Fish
• Adult Size: Approximately 15–20 cm
• Temperament: Generally peaceful but predatory
• Care Level: Intermediate–Advanced
• Minimum Aquarium: 250 L+
• Temperature: 24–28°C
• pH: 8.0–8.4
• Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
• Diet: Carnivore
• Tank Level: Middle to lower
• Reef Safe: With caution
• Origin: Indo-Pacific / Coral Sea
• Social: Best kept singly or with carefully selected tank mates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Blue Arrowhead Soapfish reef safe?

It may be kept in a reef environment with caution, but its predatory nature means small fish, shrimp and other small crustaceans may be at risk.

What does a Blue Arrowhead Soapfish eat?

It is a carnivore and should be offered appropriately sized marine meaty foods, including prawns, shrimp, squid, fish-based foods and quality frozen preparations.

Can it eat smaller fish?

Yes. Its large mouth and predatory feeding behaviour mean small fish and ornamental shrimp can potentially become prey.

Is the Blue Arrowhead Soapfish aggressive?

It is not necessarily highly aggressive toward similarly sized fish, but it is a predator and should not be treated like a typical peaceful community reef fish.

Why are soapfish called soapfish?

Soapfish can release defensive compounds known as grammistins into the surrounding water when severely stressed. This is an important consideration when transporting or housing them.

Does it need hiding places?

Yes. Caves, overhangs and rockwork provide important shelter and allow the fish to establish a secure territory.

Common Mistakes

• ❌ Keeping it with very small fish
• ❌ Assuming it is completely reef safe
• ❌ Housing it with aggressive tank mates
• ❌ Overlooking its predatory feeding behaviour
• ❌ Stressing the fish unnecessarily during handling
• ❌ Providing insufficient caves and shelter