Home · Mullidae · Twospine goatfish
Twospine goatfish (Parupeneus biaculeatus) — Mullidae

Twospine goatfish

Parupeneus biaculeatus
Family: Mullidae

The Twospine goatfish (Parupeneus biaculeatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Mullidae that grows up to 19 cm.

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

Want the complete picture on the Twospine goatfish?

Get the app

Description

The Twospine goatfish is a goatfish (Mullidae) from shallow sand and reef water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 25 cm and has an elongate body with two long chin barbels with which it feels for prey in sand and sediment. As a bottom-oriented fish it roots over sand for worms, crustaceans and small invertebrates; it can change colour rapidly. It is a valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Twospine goatfish?

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

Where does the Twospine goatfish live?

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

How big does the Twospine goatfish get?

The Twospine goatfish grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.

Is the Twospine goatfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Twospine 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.

Fin

Want the complete picture on the Twospine goatfish?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Twospine goatfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Get the app →

All data

Identification

English name
Twospine goatfish sourced
Scientific name
Parupeneus biaculeatus
Family
Mullidae
Other names
Pointed goatfish sourced

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
19.0 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, Viet Nam 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 Parupeneus

More from the family Mullidae

Fin

Want the complete picture on the Twospine goatfish?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Twospine goatfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Get the app →
Is this the Twospine goatfish? Get the app