Fin's Fish Guide
The Goatfish (Upeneus moluccensis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Mullidae that grows up to 23 cm.
Description
The goldband goatfish is a goatfish (Mullidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has an elongate, pink to reddish body with a yellowish lengthwise band and bears a pair of long barbels under the chin. It lives on mud bottoms of coastal waters and forms large, usually fast-swimming schools. With its barbels it probes the bottom for small invertebrates. Via the Suez Canal it has invaded the Mediterranean. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Goatfish?
The Goatfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Yellow longitudinal band and long chin barbels; schooling goatfish, Lessepsian migrant.
Where does the Goatfish live?
The Goatfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; muddy bottoms of coastal waters.
How big does the Goatfish get?
The Goatfish grows to a maximum of about 23 cm. On average the species is around 18 cm.
Is the Goatfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Goatfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Goatfish edible?
Yes, the Goatfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the 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 Upeneus
More from the family Mullidae
Want the complete picture on the Goatfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Goatfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.