Fin's Fish Guide
The Bighead goatfish (Parupeneus heptacanthus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Mullidae that grows up to 36 cm.
Description
The cinnabar goatfish is a goatfish (Mullidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has an elongate, pink to reddish body with often a small red-brown spot below the dorsal fin and a pair of long barbels under the chin. It occurs singly or in small groups over muddy, sandy, rubble and seagrass bottoms of lagoons and seaward reefs. With its barbels it probes the bottom for small invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bighead goatfish?
The Bighead goatfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. A pair of long chin barbels for probing the bottom; goatfish of soft reef bottoms.
Where does the Bighead goatfish live?
The Bighead goatfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; soft bottoms of lagoons and reefs.
How big does the Bighead goatfish get?
The Bighead goatfish grows to a maximum of about 36 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Bighead goatfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Bighead goatfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bighead goatfish edible?
Yes, the Bighead 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 Parupeneus
More from the family Mullidae
Want the complete picture on the Bighead goatfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bighead goatfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.