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Bluespotted goatfish (Upeneichthys vlamingii) — Mullidae

Bluespotted goatfish

Upeneichthys vlamingii
Family: Mullidae

The Bluespotted goatfish (Upeneichthys vlamingii) is a saltwater fish of the family Mullidae that grows up to 35 cm.

Length
35 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–100.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia

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Description

The Bluespotted goatfish is a goatfish (Mullidae) from coastal water of coastal waters of southern Australia and New Zealand. The species grows to about 30 cm and has an elongate, silvery with blue lines and spots body with two long barbels under the chin with which it probes the sediment for prey. As a bottom-dweller it roots in sand and mud bottoms for worms, small crustaceans and molluscs. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bluespotted goatfish?

The Bluespotted goatfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Bluespotted goatfish live?

The Bluespotted goatfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia

How big does the Bluespotted goatfish get?

The Bluespotted goatfish grows to a maximum of about 35 cm.

Is the Bluespotted goatfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Bluespotted goatfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Bluespotted goatfish (Upeneichthys vlamingii) — Mullidae — 2
Richard M (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — iNaturalist
Bluespotted goatfish (Upeneichthys vlamingii) — Mullidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Tim Binns (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Bluespotted goatfish (Upeneichthys vlamingii) — Mullidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Ken, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Bluespotted goatfish (Upeneichthys vlamingii) — Mullidae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — Buffon, Georges Louis Leclerc; Cuvier, Georges; Valenciennes (Public domain)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Bluespotted goatfish sourced
Scientific name
Upeneichthys vlamingii
Family
Mullidae
Other names
Bluespotted goatfish; Blue-spotted Goatfish; Blue-striped red mullet; Goatfish; Mullet; Red mullet; Black-striped goatfish; Southern goatfish; Southern red mullet; Western red mullet verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
35.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
100.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Upeneichthys

More from the family Mullidae

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