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Francis' goatfish (Upeneus francisi) — Mullidae

Francis' goatfish

Upeneus francisi
Family: Mullidae

The Francis' goatfish (Upeneus francisi) is a saltwater fish of the family Mullidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
7.2 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
2.0–20.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: New Zealand, Norfolk I.

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Description

The Francis' goatfish is a goatfish (Mullidae) from shallow sand and reef water of the southwest 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 Francis' goatfish?

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

Where does the Francis' goatfish live?

The Francis' goatfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: New Zealand, Norfolk I.

How big does the Francis' goatfish get?

The Francis' goatfish grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Francis' goatfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Francis' 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
Francis' goatfish sourced
Scientific name
Upeneus francisi
Family
Mullidae
Other names
Francis' goatfish sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.2 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
Min depth (m)
2.0 verified
Max depth (m)
20.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: New Zealand, Norfolk I. 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
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. 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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