Fin's Fish Guide
The Forsskal's goatfish (Parupeneus forsskali) is a brackish-water fish of the family Mullidae that grows up to 28 cm.
Description
Forsskal's goatfish is a goatfish (Mullidae) from the Red Sea and adjacent waters. The species has an elongate, pale body with a dark lengthwise stripe and a black blotch on the tail base, and bears a pair of long barbels under the chin. It is the most common goatfish in shallow water of the Red Sea, usually on sand bottoms near coral 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 Forsskal's goatfish?
The Forsskal's goatfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly white and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. A pair of long chin barbels for probing the bottom; most common goatfish of the Red Sea.
Where does the Forsskal's goatfish live?
The Forsskal's goatfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Red Sea and adjacent waters; sandy bottoms near coral reefs.
How big does the Forsskal's goatfish get?
The Forsskal's goatfish grows to a maximum of about 28 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Forsskal's goatfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Forsskal's goatfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Forsskal's goatfish edible?
Yes, the Forsskal's goatfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Forsskal's goatfish and live in the same waters.
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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 Forsskal's goatfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Forsskal's goatfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.