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Gold-thread goatfish (Parupeneus chrysonemus) — Mullidae

Gold-thread goatfish

Parupeneus chrysonemus
Family: Mullidae

The Gold-thread goatfish (Parupeneus chrysonemus) is a saltwater fish of the family Mullidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
19.6 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
20–183 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Johnston I., Midway Is., Hawaii

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Description

The gold-thread goatfish is a goatfish (Mullidae) from the western Indian Ocean. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an elongate, red-brown body and a pair of long, yellow 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 Gold-thread goatfish?

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

Where does the Gold-thread goatfish live?

The Gold-thread goatfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Johnston I., Midway Is., Hawaii

How big does the Gold-thread goatfish get?

The Gold-thread goatfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Gold-thread goatfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Gold-thread 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.

More photos

Gold-thread goatfish (Parupeneus chrysonemus) — Mullidae — 2
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Gold-thread goatfish (Parupeneus chrysonemus) — Mullidae — 3
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Gold-thread goatfish (Parupeneus chrysonemus) — Mullidae — 4
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Gold-thread goatfish (Parupeneus chrysonemus) — Mullidae — 5
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM

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All data

Identification

English name
Gold-thread goatfish sourced
Scientific name
Parupeneus chrysonemus
Family
Mullidae
Other names
Yellowbarbel goatfish; Yellow-threaded goatfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
19.6 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Forked
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
20 verified
Max depth (m)
183 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Johnston I., Midway Is., Hawaii sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed.
Regulations source

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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