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Bait goatfish (Mulloidichthys flavolineatus) — Mullidae

Bait goatfish

Mulloidichthys flavolineatus
Family: Mullidae
LC · Least Concern

The Bait goatfish (Mulloidichthys flavolineatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Mullidae that grows up to 43 cm.

Length
43 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–99.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The yellowstripe goatfish is a goatfish (Mullidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has an elongate, silvery-white body with a yellow lengthwise stripe and usually a dark blotch below it; under the chin it bears a pair of long, mobile barbels. It inhabits shallow sandy areas of lagoons and seaward reefs and can form schools. With its barbels it probes the sand for small invertebrates such as worms and crustaceans. It is a food fish. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bait goatfish?

The Bait goatfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Bait goatfish live?

The Bait goatfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Bait goatfish get?

The Bait goatfish grows to a maximum of about 43 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.

Is the Bait goatfish dangerous to humans?

The Bait goatfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed.

Is the Bait goatfish edible?

Yes, the Bait goatfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Geelstreep-koningsbarbeel sourced
English name
Bait goatfish verified
Scientific name
Mulloidichthys flavolineatus
Family
Mullidae
Other names
Goatfish; Gold-lined goatfish; Pallid goatfish; Samoan goatfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
43.0 verified
Average length (cm)
25.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Horizontal stripes inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
99.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Mulloidichthys

More from the family Mullidae

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