Fin's Fish Guide
The Bandedtail goatfish (Upeneus vittatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Mullidae that grows up to 28 cm.
Description
The yellowstriped goatfish is a goatfish of the family Mullidae from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 28 cm and has a pale body with a few yellow longitudinal stripes and dark bars on the upper tail lobe. Characteristic is a pair of long barbels under the chin, with which it probes the soft bottom for prey. As a euryhaline species it inhabits sandy lagoons, sheltered coastal waters and muddy bottoms and tolerates varying salinities. As a bottom searcher it feeds on small invertebrates. The yellowstriped goatfish is a valued food fish and harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bandedtail goatfish?
The Bandedtail goatfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Yellow longitudinal stripes and dark bars on the upper caudal lobe; long chin barbels.
Where does the Bandedtail goatfish live?
The Bandedtail goatfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; sandy lagoons and sheltered coastal waters.
How big does the Bandedtail goatfish get?
The Bandedtail goatfish grows to a maximum of about 28 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Bandedtail goatfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Bandedtail goatfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bandedtail goatfish edible?
Yes, the Bandedtail goatfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Upeneus
More from the family Mullidae
Want the complete picture on the Bandedtail goatfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bandedtail goatfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.