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Fourlined goatfish (Upeneus quadrilineatus) — Mullidae

Fourlined goatfish

Upeneus quadrilineatus
Family: Mullidae

The Fourlined goatfish (Upeneus quadrilineatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Mullidae that grows up to 17 cm.

Length
17 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan

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Description

The Fourlined goatfish is a goatfish (Mullidae) from shallow sand and reef water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an elongate, reddish to silvery body and a pair of long, mobile chin barbels full of taste sensors. With them it probes and roots over sand and mud searching for worms, crustaceans and molluscs. It is a valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Fourlined goatfish?

The Fourlined goatfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Fourlined goatfish live?

The Fourlined goatfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan

How big does the Fourlined goatfish get?

The Fourlined goatfish grows to a maximum of about 17 cm.

Is the Fourlined goatfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Fourlined 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Fourlined goatfish sourced
Scientific name
Upeneus quadrilineatus
Family
Mullidae
Other names
Four-stripe goatfish; Fourstripe goatfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
17.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan 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 Upeneus

More from the family Mullidae

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