Fin's Fish Guide
The Sunda goatfish (Upeneus sundaicus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Mullidae that grows up to 22 cm.
Description
The Sunda goatfish is a goatfish from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 22 cm and has a slender, reddish to silvery body and a pair of long chin barbels with which it probes sand and mud for food. As a bottom-dweller it lives in coastal and estuarine water to about 60 metres depth and feeds on small bottom crustaceans, worms and molluscs. It is a local food fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sunda goatfish?
The Sunda goatfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Long chin barbels for feeling in the bottom; coral catfish
Where does the Sunda goatfish live?
The Sunda goatfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Sunda goatfish get?
The Sunda goatfish grows to a maximum of about 22 cm. On average the species is around 14 cm.
Is the Sunda goatfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Sunda 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.
Is the Sunda goatfish edible?
Yes, the Sunda goatfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
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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 Sunda goatfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sunda goatfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.