Goldstripe Goatfish, Mulloidichthys vanicolensis (Valenciennes, 1831)
Banded Goatfish, Yellowfin Goatfish, Yellowstripe Goatfish
Click to enlarge image
© Erik Schlögl
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Mulloidichthys
- Species
- vanicolensis
- Family
- Mullidae
- Order
- Perciformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum
- Vertebrata
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- The species grows to 38 cm in length.
Introduction
The Goldstripe Goatfish can be recognised by the barbels on its chin and colouration. It is found widely in tropical marine waters of the Indo-Pacific.
Identification
The Goldstripe Goatfish can be recognised by the barbels on its chin and colouration. It is white to pale pink with a blue-margined yellow stripe from the eye to the caudal peduncle. All the median fins and pelvic fins are yellow.
Distribution
The Goldstripe Goatfish is found widely in tropical marine waters of the Indo-Pacific. In Australia it is recorded from most tropical waters and down the east coast to central New South Wales.
The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.
Feeding and diet
The species usually feeds solitary at night.
Other behaviours and adaptations
It is usually seen in aggregations during the day.
References
- Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
- Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
