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Pearly goatfish (Parupeneus margaritatus) — Mullidae

Pearly goatfish

Parupeneus margaritatus
Family: Mullidae

The Pearly goatfish (Parupeneus margaritatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Mullidae that grows up to 23 cm.

Length
23 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–55.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and others

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Description

The pearly goatfish is a goatfish (Mullidae) from the northwest Indian Ocean, including the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. The species grows to about 23 cm and has a pale, pearly body with dark blotches and a pair of long chin barbels with which it probes sand and mud bottoms for prey. As a bottom-oriented reef-dweller it searches for small crustaceans, worms and molluscs. It is a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Pearly goatfish?

The Pearly goatfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly white and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Pearly goatfish live?

The Pearly goatfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and others

How big does the Pearly goatfish get?

The Pearly goatfish grows to a maximum of about 23 cm.

Is the Pearly goatfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Pearly 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
Pearly goatfish sourced
Scientific name
Parupeneus margaritatus
Family
Mullidae
Other names
Pearly goatfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
23.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
White sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
55.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and others 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
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. 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 Parupeneus

More from the family Mullidae

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